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Quick Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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A deeply savory, slightly gingery stir fry that comes together in a single skillet in under 20 minutes. No burnt garlic, no sad broccoli, no watery sauce—just a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 3 cups (about 300g) broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (such as canola, avocado, or grapeseed)
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: mince garlic, grate ginger, cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Set everything near the stove.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it get shimmering. Add ground beef in an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust.
  3. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully browned. Transfer beef to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan (drain if more than 1 tablespoon).
  4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same pan. Add broccoli florets in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to char slightly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If dry, add a splash of water and cover for 30 seconds.
  5. Push broccoli to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the center and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Return browned beef to the pan. Stir the sauce and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir together and let bubble for 1 minute.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Remove from heat. Drizzle sesame oil over the top and stir once. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Brown the beef properly by not stirring for the first 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger after the beef and broccoli are cooked to prevent burning. Do not overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender-crisp. Make the sauce and slurry in advance for a smooth cooking process. Use high heat for browning but lower it when adding aromatics and sauce to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef and broccoli stir fry, quick stir fry, 20 minute dinner, easy weeknight dinner, beef and broccoli, stir fry recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/quick-ground-beef-and-broccoli-stir-fry-easy-20-minute-dinner/