Tasty and Simple Chinese Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Looking for a speedy and uncomplicated meal filled with protein and veggies? Look no further than a ground beef and broccoli stir-fry. This popular Chinese dish is loved for its ease of preparation, scrumptious flavour, and nutritious content. Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity to utilise any surplus broccoli you may have in your refrigerator.

To make this dish, you'll need just a few key ingredients - ground beef, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. You can also add in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots if you like. The key to a good stir-fry is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, so make sure you have everything chopped and measured out before you begin.

Once you have all your ingredients prepped, it's time to start cooking. In a wok or large frying pan, brown the ground beef over high heat until it's cooked through. Then, add in the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds or so. Next, add in the broccoli and any other veggies you're using, along with the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything together until the veggies are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice and enjoy!

Key Takeaways

• A ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner that's packed with protein and veggies.
• To make this dish, you'll need just a few key ingredients - ground beef, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
• You can add in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots if you like, and seafood like prawns or scallops can also be used in this recipe.

Choosing Ingredients

When it comes to preparing a delicious ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your dish.

Selecting the Beef

For this recipe, you will need to use ground beef or flank steak. When selecting beef, choose lean cuts with little fat. This will help to keep the dish healthy and reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking.

Broccoli Varieties

Broccoli is the star of this dish, and there are several varieties to choose from. Broccoli florets are the most common type of broccoli used in Chinese cooking. They are small and tender, making them perfect for stir-frying. You can also use broccoli rabe, which has a slightly bitter taste and is more commonly used in Italian cuisine.

Additional Vegetables

While broccoli is the main vegetable in this dish, you can also add other vegetables to give it more colour and flavour. Carrots, onions, snow peas, bell peppers, celery and baby corn are all great options. These vegetables add a nice crunch and a variety of flavours to the dish.

If you want to add some seafood to your dish, you can use shrimp or scallops. These can be added to the stir-fry towards the end of cooking, as they cook quickly. For a more authentic Chinese flavour, you can use squid or octopus. These seafood options will add a unique flavour and texture to your dish.

Remember to choose fresh ingredients and prepare them properly before cooking. This will ensure that your dish is healthy, delicious and full of flavour.

Preparation Techniques

To create a delicious ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe, there are a few preparation techniques you should keep in mind. Here are the key steps to follow:

Marinating the Beef

To ensure your beef is tender and packed with flavour, it's important to marinate it before cooking. You can use a mixture of soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch to marinate your beef. If you want to add a seafood twist to your dish, you can also try marinating your beef with some oyster sauce and fresh prawns.

Prepping the Broccoli

Broccoli is a key ingredient in this dish, and it's important to prep it properly to ensure it's cooked to perfection. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the stir-fry. This will help it retain its vibrant green colour and crisp texture. If you want to add some extra seafood flavour, you can also try adding some fresh squid or scallops to the mix.

Making the Sauce

The sauce is what brings all the flavours together in this dish. You can create a simple sauce using a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and sesame oil. For an extra kick of flavour, you can also add some minced garlic and fresh ginger. If you want to add a seafood twist, you can try using some fish sauce or shrimp paste in your sauce.

By following these preparation techniques, you can create a delicious and flavourful ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe that's sure to impress.

Cooking Method

Stir-Frying Basics

To make a delicious ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe, you need to start with the right cooking method. Stir-frying is the perfect way to cook this dish, as it allows you to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly. To stir-fry, you will need a wok or a large skillet. A wok is the traditional tool for stir-frying, but a skillet will work just as well.

Before you start cooking, you need to heat the wok or skillet over high heat. Once it's hot, add some vegetable oil or peanut oil to the pan. You can also use other types of oil, such as sesame oil, depending on your preference. The oil should be hot but not smoking before you add the ingredients.

Combining Ingredients

Once the oil is hot, you can add the ground beef to the wok or skillet. Cook the beef until it's browned and crispy, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. Next, add some ginger and garlic to the pan and cook it until it's fragrant.

After that, add the broccoli to the pan and stir-fry it until it's tender-crisp and blackened in spots. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, if you like. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the beef back to the pan.

Finally, it's time to make the sauce. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl and mix well. Then, pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir-fry everything together until the sauce is thick and glossy.

Seafood can also be used to make this dish even more delicious. Shrimp or scallops are great choices to pair with the beef and broccoli. Simply add them to the pan along with the beef and vegetables and cook them until they are pink and opaque.

Serving and Pairing

Accompaniments

When it comes to serving ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe, there are several accompaniments that you can pair it with. Rice is a popular choice and pairs well with the dish. You can choose to serve steamed rice, fried rice, or even chow mein. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can also opt for cooked cauliflower rice.

If you want to add some variety to your meal, you can also consider pairing the dish with some seafood. Shrimp, scallops, or even crab meat can be a great addition to the dish. Simply add them to the stir-fry during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are cooked through.

Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting your ground beef and broccoli Chinese dish, there are a few tips that you can keep in mind to make it look more appetizing. Firstly, ensure that the dish is arranged neatly on the plate. You can also garnish the dish with some chopped spring onions or sesame seeds to add some colour and texture.

If you're serving the dish as part of a larger meal, you can also consider adding some other Chinese-inspired dishes to the table. Dim sum, egg rolls, and wontons are all great options that will complement the dish well.

Overall, serving ground beef and broccoli Chinese recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. With the right accompaniments and presentation tips, you can elevate the dish to the next level and impress your guests.

Health and Nutrition

When it comes to Chinese cuisine, it's easy to indulge in dishes that are high in sodium, fat, and calories. However, by making a few simple substitutions, you can still enjoy the bold flavours of Chinese cooking without sacrificing your health and nutrition goals.

One way to make a healthier version of a Chinese classic, such as ground beef and broccoli, is to use lean ground beef. This type of meat is lower in saturated fat and calories than regular ground beef, making it a healthier choice. Additionally, you can add more veggies to your dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, to boost the nutritional value of your meal.

Another way to make your ground beef and broccoli stir fry healthier is to use low-sodium soy sauce. Regular soy sauce can be high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. By using low-sodium soy sauce, you can still enjoy the flavour of soy sauce without the added sodium.

Seafood can also be a great addition to your ground beef and broccoli stir fry. Shrimp or scallops are excellent options that pair well with the flavours of Chinese cuisine. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to your stir fry at the end to avoid overcooking.

In summary, by using lean ground beef, adding more veggies, using low-sodium soy sauce, and incorporating seafood, you can make a healthier version of a classic Chinese dish. Not only will you be able to enjoy the bold flavours of Chinese cuisine, but you'll also be taking care of your health and nutrition at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dishes can I whip up with ground beef and broccoli?

Ground beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be used in various recipes. You can use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. You can also add it to your pasta dishes, such as spaghetti or lasagna. Additionally, you can use it as a topping for your pizza or as a filling for your sandwiches.

How can I make a healthy version of beef and broccoli?

To make a healthier version of beef and broccoli, you can use lean ground beef and steam or blanch the broccoli instead of frying it. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce. Another option is to add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value of the dish.

What's the best way to thicken the sauce for beef and broccoli?

The best way to thicken the sauce for beef and broccoli is to use cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce while it's simmering. Stir well until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Could you give me tips on cooking ground beef perfectly?

To cook ground beef perfectly, make sure to use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. Cook the beef over medium-high heat until it's browned and no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and season the beef with salt and pepper.

Is the beef and broccoli dish we know a Chinese or American creation?

The beef and broccoli dish we know today is an American creation. Although it is inspired by Chinese stir-fry dishes, it has been adapted to suit the American palate. Traditional Chinese dishes usually do not use a thick sauce or tenderized beef.

What steps are involved in creating a casserole with ground beef and broccoli?

To create a casserole with ground beef and broccoli, cook the ground beef and broccoli until they're tender. Mix them together with cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for added texture.

If you want to add seafood to your ground beef and broccoli dish, you can try adding shrimp or scallops. Simply sauté them with garlic and ginger before adding them to the dish. Alternatively, you can use canned tuna or salmon as a topping for your casserole. However, keep in mind that seafood may change the flavour profile of the dish, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.