Description
Savory Ground Beef and Broccoli brings together classic Chinese-American flavors in a quick, satisfying meal. Lean protein and tender broccoli create a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition that you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef
Main Vegetables:
- 3.4 cups broccoli florets (approximately 300 grams)
Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (120 ml)
- 1 cup water (240 ml)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (about 55 grams)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients beforehand. Craft the sauce by blending soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until seamlessly integrated.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Aim for tender-crisp texture with a slight crunch. Transfer cooked broccoli to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Introduce ground beef, breaking into smaller pieces during cooking. Sear for approximately 5 minutes until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Lower heat to medium. Reintroduce broccoli into the skillet with beef. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring to ensure comprehensive coating. Allow sauce to thicken for 1-3 minutes, creating a glossy, even layer.
- Remove skillet from heat once sauce reaches desired consistency. Plate immediately over rice, noodles, or serve as a standalone protein-rich dish. Garnish with optional green onions or sesame seeds for enhanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking.
- Use fresh broccoli with crisp, vibrant green florets for the best texture and nutrient retention.
- Drain excess beef fat to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter dish that doesn’t feel heavy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg