Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 6 Tbs soy sauce
  • 3 Tbs packed light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbs cornstarch
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbs minced fresh ginger (from 1-inch piece)
  • 2 tsp unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 3 Tbs neutral oil (such as canola), divided
  • 12 oz (about 5‌1⁄4 cups) fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 lb 90/10 lean ground beef
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Directions

  1. Whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until combined and the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high until shimmering.
  3. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and blackened in spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a large bowl; set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally to break the meat into crumbles, until browned, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld, about 3 minutes.
  6. Return the broccoli to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats meat and vegetables, about 3 minutes.
  7. Top with sesame seeds and green onions (if using). Serve over steamed white rice.