Ground Beef Stir-Fry

 

½ cup water

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

4 cloves garlic, minced, or ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons distilled white or apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided

3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, thawed

1 small onion, chopped

1 pound 80/20 ground beef

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Steamed white rice, for serving

 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, and vinegar until combined and the sugar has dissolved. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and blackened in spots, 6 to 7 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Add the onion and cook until slightly translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally to break the meat into crumbles, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the sauce. Turn the heat up to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Fold in the cooked broccoli. Once the sauce has thickened, turn the heat off and serve with white rice or your choice of side.