This honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish! You’ll love how the sweet honey and savory garlic come together to coat tender beef and fresh broccoli.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works great for this dish. If you want a leaner option, consider chicken breast or tofu as an alternative. Just slice them thinly for quick cooking!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but you can use frozen too! Just steam it before adding to the stir-fry if you choose the frozen option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch; use about 1/2 teaspoon.
Honey: For a vegan version, try maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. It will still give you that sweetness you want!
Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is best. You could also use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor.
How Can I Achieve Great Stir-Frying?
Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth, as stir-frying happens quickly!
- Use a high-heating oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best results. They won’t smoke at high temperatures.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If needed, cook in batches. You want your beef and broccoli to get a nice sear instead of steaming.
- For the sauce to thicken nicely, make sure it simmers a little with the meat and broccoli—this helps every bite get the full flavor!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry ready in no time!
Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
For Serving:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a speedy dish that’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, minced garlic, and if you’re using them, the rice vinegar and grated ginger. Set this mixture aside for later—it’ll be the magic sauce that brings everything together!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until it’s browned and just cooked through. Then, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
In the same pan, pour in the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender but still crispy. This keeps them tasty and vibrant!
4. Combine and Simmer:
Now, return the cooked beef back to the pan along with the broccoli. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked and fragrant, remove the pan from the heat. If you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little crunch. Serve hot over your favorite cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender beef with vibrant broccoli in this easy honey garlic stir-fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli; just make sure to thaw and drain it first. You may want to steam it lightly before adding to the stir-fry to ensure it cooks evenly.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers when cooking the garlic. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
Can I Prepare This Stir-Fry in Advance?
While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef and broccoli in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Just stir-fry them on the day you plan to serve for the best flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
