Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 Tablespoon peanut oil (can substitute vegetable or olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (washed and patted dry)
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- Salt and white pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (start with 1 tablespoon, add more if desired)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
- Optional garnish: green onions (not listed in ingredients but mentioned in instructions)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine cornstarch and cold water in a covered container and shake well to create a slurry. Set aside in a cool place. In a separate medium bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (start with 1 tablespoon), minced garlic, ground ginger, and toasted sesame oil to make the sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat with oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Season ground beef with salt and white pepper to taste. Add it to the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, then add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Shake the cornstarch slurry again and slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Broccoli: Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Heat through for another minute or so.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve the ground beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- For perfectly cooked rice, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch before cooking.
- Adjust honey quantity based on your preferred level of sweetness.
- You can substitute peanut oil with vegetable or olive oil if preferred.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Draining grease from cooked beef helps keep the dish from being too oily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Chinese
