Thai-Inspired Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or wok Essential for achieving a good sear on the beef and a slight char on the veggies. A cast iron pan also works well for that skillet-style heat.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula Perfect for stir-frying without scratching your pan.
- Sharp chef’s knife and cutting board To make prep a breeze.
- Small Mixing Bowl For the sauce—it’s easier to mix ahead of time than scrambling during cooking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: Use 85% lean or higher for less grease. Ground beef is the star here giving the dish a rich, hearty base.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli holds its crunch better but frozen works too (just thaw and pat dry).
- 1 red bell pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced finely for that punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger: Fresh and grated—don’t skip it.
- 2 green onions: For garnish and a mild oniony bite.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Low-sodium is a good choice if you're watching salt.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a deeper umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Optional but adds authenticity.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and spice.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or Thai chili optional: For heat lovers.
Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds nutty depth.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil vegetable, canola, or avocado: For sautéing.
Optional Add-ins and Swaps
- This stir fry is as flexible as you need it to be. Here are some great add-ins:
- Snow peas or baby corn: Adds crunch and color.
- Sliced mushrooms: Great for umami-rich bulk especially if exploring vegan beef and broccoli alternatives.
- Cashews or peanuts: Add near the end for texture.
- Cooked noodles: Turn it into a one-pan beef and broccoli noodles dish.
- Pre-cooked rice: Toss in some day-old rice and you've got a Thai-style ground beef and rice recipe.
Instructions
Mix the Sauce
- Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chili flakes, and water in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
- In your skillet over medium-high heat, warm the neutral oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until fully browned and just slightly crispy on the edges—about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics
- Move the beef to one side of the skillet. In the space you’ve cleared, add the sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
Toss in the Vegetables
- Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3–5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, give it a head start by microwaving it for 1–2 minutes first.
Pour in the Sauce
- Stir the sauce into the beef and veggie mix. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and everything is coated evenly.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle in the green onions and any optional garnishes like cilantro, peanuts, or extra lime juice.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.