Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: Flank steak or sirloin provides great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try using chuck steak or even ground beef. For a lighter choice, you can swap in chicken or tofu.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch, but you can use frozen ones if you’re in a hurry. Other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas also work well if you want to mix it up.

Honey: While honey adds sweetness, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect. If you’re keen on reducing sugar, try using a sugar-free alternative.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish healthier. For a gluten-free version, tamari is an excellent substitute. If you need a soy-free option, coconut aminos can work too.

Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes. Just remember that they may slightly change the flavor profile.

How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in Stir-Fry?

To ensure your beef stays tender, slicing it thinly against the grain is key. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew. Marinating the beef briefly in soy sauce can add flavor and tenderness, too.

• Slice the beef thinly—about 1/4 inch thick.
• Warm up the skillet before adding the beef, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
• Cooking quickly over high heat allows the beef to sear rather than steam.

These steps will help you get that perfect tender texture in your stir-fry. Enjoy your cooking experience!

Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

For the Sauce:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Optional garnish: sesame seeds and sliced green onions
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious stir-fry takes only about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be your tasty sauce. Set it aside for later.

2. Cook the Beef:

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over it. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and just cooked through. Once done, take the beef out of the pan and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:

Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Keep stirring to cook them evenly!

4. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is coated evenly.

5. Taste and Serve:

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat. Serve your delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry over warm cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you wish.

Enjoy your flavorful, easy honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry!

FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Absolutely! While broccoli is a classic choice, you can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for any different veggies!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You may want to add a splash of water to keep it moist.

Is There a Way to Make This Dish Spicier?

Yes! If you’d like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when cooking the beef. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños if you like a fresh kick!

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While stir-fries are best fresh, you can prep the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then stir-fry just before serving for the best texture and flavor!