This quick and easy honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry is a tasty delight! Juicy beef meets tender broccoli, all coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak is great for this dish due to its tenderness. Sirloin is a good alternative if you prefer. For a budget-friendly option, use ground beef or even chicken or tofu for a different flavor.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets bring a nice crunch and vibrant color. You can substitute with bok choy, snap peas, or even frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available.
Honey: This is the star ingredient for sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using maple syrup or agave nectar instead.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps in controlling saltiness. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted for a vegetarian version. You can use additional soy sauce with a pinch of sugar instead.
How Do I Achieve the Right Beef Texture?
To make sure your beef is tender and flavorful, slicing it against the grain is key. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines running through the meat. Thin slices cook quickly and are easier to chew.
- Take your steak and define the direction of the grain by looking for long stripes.
- Use a sharp knife to slice against these stripes into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking; cook in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.
How Can I Get Broccoli Just Right?
Perfectly cooked broccoli retains a bright green color and a bit of crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating your skillet and using a bit of oil. Toss the broccoli in and stir-fry it quickly.
- Cook for just 4-5 minutes. If you overcook it, the broccoli will lose its texture and become mushy.
- Keeping the heat high is important for quick cooking while ensuring it retains nutrients and color.
Quick & Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Thickening:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 10 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and black pepper. This mixture will give your dish its sweet and savory flavor. Set it aside for later use.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be just tender but still crisp. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the sliced beef. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the beef can sear nicely.
4. Add Garlic:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked broccoli to the pan and pour in the honey garlic sauce mixture. Stir everything well to ensure the beef and broccoli are fully coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef and broccoli.
7. Serve:
Remove the stir-fry from heat, and serve it immediately over your choice of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy this delightful meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Now you have a flavorful honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry that’s not only quick to make but also sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy!
FAQ for Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can easily substitute them with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose, ensuring it’s fully cooked before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Broccoli?
No worries! You can swap broccoli for other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy. Just remember that cooking times might vary, so keep an eye on your veggies to ensure they don’t overcook.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that any other sauces you use, such as oyster sauce, are also gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The stir-fry can also be enjoyed cold in a salad!
