Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Zesty Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Buzzing with flavor, this honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Savory strips of tender beef mingle with crisp green broccoli florets in a glossy, irresistible sauce.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients come together with just the right touch of sweetness and umami.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that don’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Pans sizzle with excitement as each ingredient contributes its unique character to the dish.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Let’s transform your dinner into a memorable feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe Stands Out

  • Speed Up Dinner: Tackle this recipe in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete meal using just a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for home cooks looking to streamline their kitchen routine.
  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Combine lean ground beef with nutrient-packed broccoli, delivering a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing incredible flavor and satisfaction.
  • Kid-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Craft a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and children, with its sweet-savory honey garlic sauce guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy and asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need For Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this delicious stir-fry.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: Provides a fresh, green crunch and nutritional boost to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Adds a robust and zesty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce: Combines to create a sweet and savory sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth texture.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a light cooking medium for browning the beef and sautéing the ingredients.
Rice:
  • White Rice: Serves as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the natural flavors of the dish.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds a decorative touch and extra layer of flavor to the finished dish.

How To Cook Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Place white rice in a pot and follow package instructions. Let it simmer while you prepare the main dish. The rice will be perfectly fluffy and ready when your stir-fry is complete.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown and loses its pink color. If needed, drain excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Quickly blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This technique keeps the broccoli bright green and maintains a satisfying crunch. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Infuse with Aromatics

Add to the cooked beef:
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Sauté for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance. These aromatics will elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Blend until smooth and glossy. This sauce will bring a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes to the stir-fry.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce over the beef in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece. Add the blanched broccoli and toss gently. Allow everything to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the stir-fry over the prepared rice. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Dive into this delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table.

Simple Tips For Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Enhance Beef Browning: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to get a perfect golden-brown crust on the meat, which adds deeper flavor and texture.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount carefully – less for a thinner sauce, more for a thicker coating that clings beautifully to beef and broccoli.
  • Manage Vegetable Crispness: Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding mushy or overcooked florets.
  • Select Lean Protein: Choose ground beef with 90/10 or 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio to reduce excess grease while keeping the dish flavorful and healthier.

Delicious Variations Of Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the stir-fry.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Substitute beef with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb honey substitute like monk fruit sweetener to keep the dish low-carb and diet-friendly.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Great Pairings For Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the savory beef and sweet honey notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex flavors.
  • Refreshing Beer Match: Choose a crisp Asian-style lager such as Tsingtao or Sapporo, which provides a clean, light counterpoint to the stir-fry's bold garlic and honey profile, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Zesty Beverage Companion: Opt for a ginger-infused green tea that echoes the ginger in the recipe, offering a subtle spicy undertone that harmonizes with the beef and broccoli's aromatic elements.

How To Store Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Properly stored, the dish can remain frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or quality.
  • Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Savory Honey Garlic Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

  • What are the key ingredients for this honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry?

The key ingredients include ground beef, broccoli, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and white rice as the base.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can cook the beef and broccoli in advance and store it separately from the rice, making it easy to reheat and enjoy throughout the week.

  • Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! You can easily swap ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version while keeping the same delicious honey garlic sauce.

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Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers restaurant-quality flavors straight from your kitchen. Crisp broccoli and tender beef mingle with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that promises a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Vegetables and Starches:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup white rice

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare rice according to package instructions, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until thoroughly browned.
  3. Drain excess fat from beef to ensure a lighter dish.
  4. Simultaneously, steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, maintaining a vibrant color and crisp texture.
  5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the browned beef, sautéing for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
  6. Whisk honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
  7. Pour sauce over beef, stirring to ensure even coating and allowing it to slightly thicken.
  8. Incorporate steamed broccoli into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat thoroughly and meld flavors.
  9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
  10. Plate the beef and broccoli mixture over prepared rice, optionally garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Customize beef cuts by choosing lean ground beef or swapping for chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for varied protein preferences.
  • Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, ensuring smooth consistency without clumping or becoming too dense.
  • Maximize vegetable nutrition by keeping broccoli slightly crisp, which preserves essential vitamins and creates delightful textural contrast with tender meat.
  • Elevate flavor profile by incorporating optional ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat, rice vinegar for tanginess, or toasted sesame oil for deeper complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 505
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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