Tender ground beef and vibrant broccoli, simmered in savory, Asian-inspired sauce. I got my inspiration from the classic Chinese restaurant dish, but I swapped in ground Wagyu and enlivened the sauce. Way better than the restaurant version!
4tablespoonssoy sauceor tamari sauce, or liquid aminos
3tablespoonsbrown sugar
1tablespoonsesame oil
1tablespooncornstarch
1teaspoonhot sauceor more/less to taste
1tablespoonsolive oil
4 to 6cupsfresh broccoli florets
1poundlean ground beef
2teaspoonsminced or grated fresh ginger
2clovesgarlicminced or grated
2teaspoonstoasted sesame seedsyou can purchase them pre-toasted, or toast them in a dry skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and hot sauce. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until tender-crisp, stirring frequently. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover and cook for 2 additional minutes to steam the broccoli. Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
Brown the beef in the same pan over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir the sauce again to make sure the cornstarch is dissolved and add the mixture to the pan. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Return the broccoli to the pan and stir to combine. If desired, thin the sauce with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.