Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice
If you’re craving a delightful dinner that blends sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with tender beef and crisp broccoli, then this Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistible meal that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. The jasmine rice serves as the perfect fluffy base, soaking up all those luscious honey and soy flavors, while the thinly sliced flank steak melts in your mouth. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious.
Top Reasons to Make Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice
- Quick and easy: From prepping to plating, this recipe comes together in about half an hour.
- Balanced nutrition: Lean protein from flank steak, vibrant broccoli for fiber and vitamins, and jasmine rice for satisfying carbs.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats every bite.
- Minimal ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip this up any day.
- Family-friendly: It appeals to all ages and can be easily adjusted to suit different tastes or spice levels.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain: This cut is perfect for quick cooking and stays tender when sliced correctly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a crunchy, nutritious element that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 cup jasmine rice: Aromatic and fluffy, jasmine rice soaks up the honey garlic sauce wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil that’s great for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky sauce.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness that balances the honey.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers pungent flavor that’s essential to the dish’s signature taste.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that brightens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds texture and a nutty aroma.
- Green onions, chopped for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Sharp chef’s knife: Essential for slicing flank steak thinly and chopping garlic and ginger finely.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface to prep your ingredients safely and efficiently.
- Large skillet or wok: For stir-frying the beef and broccoli quickly while developing that delicious caramelization.
- Medium saucepan: To cook the jasmine rice perfectly fluffy.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure the perfect balance of sauce ingredients.
Cooking Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice: The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for fluffy grains. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to steam, still covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 2: Slice the Beef
While the rice cooks, slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness. Set aside your thin strips of beef for quick cooking.
Step 3: Prepping the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. This honey garlic sauce will be the star of the dish, coating the beef and broccoli with tangy-sweet goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice crust. Stir-fry the beef until it’s mostly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine and Glaze
Return the broccoli to the pan with the beef. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if desired. Serve your Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli hot over the fluffy jasmine rice.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
- Soy sauce: Substitute with coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly sweetener alternative.
- Garlic and ginger: If sensitive, reduce amounts or use garlic-infused oil and ground ginger powder.
- Vegetable oil: Swap with avocado or light olive oil for different flavor profiles.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t slice the steak with the grain – it will make your beef tough and chewy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; this causes steaming instead of searing.
- Don’t skip rinsing the jasmine rice; this step is key for fluffy, non-sticky rice.
- Don’t add the sauce too early or cook it too long—overcooked sauce can become too thick and sticky.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can slice the beef and chop the broccoli a day in advance and keep them refrigerated in separate airtight containers. The sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge as well. Cook the rice fresh for best texture, but cooked rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Leftover Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Common Qs About Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for quick cooking and tenderness when sliced thinly, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just ensure you slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is jasmine rice necessary, or can I use something else?
Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but you can substitute with basmati rice or even brown rice if you want a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or tossing in some sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking will add a nice kick. You can also drizzle sriracha on top when serving.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Stir-fry the broccoli over high heat just until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp—usually 3-4 minutes. Avoid covering the pan or overcooking, as this causes sogginess.
Don’t Miss These
- Looking for a comforting twist on veggies? Try the Broccoli Mac And Cheese for cheesy goodness.
- Craving a hearty sandwich? The Italian Beef Sandwiches recipe is packed with meaty flavor.
- If you love one-pan meals, check out this Cajun Shrimp Andouille Style Rice Skillet that’s bursting with spice and seafood goodness.
The Takeaway
Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice is a meal that hits all the right notes—quick, delicious, and packed with flavor and nutrition. The tender beef paired with crisp broccoli and a honey-garlic glaze over fluffy jasmine rice makes for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or entertaining guests, this recipe is a reliable go-to that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Don’t hesitate to customize the heat level or swap ingredients to suit your pantry and preferences. Happy cooking!
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Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli with Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- green onions chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and steam covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- While the rice cooks, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger to make the honey garlic sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Add remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan. Add sliced beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes. Stir-fry beef for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return broccoli to the pan with the beef. Pour honey garlic sauce over and toss to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over jasmine rice.
Equipment
- Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly to achieve fluffy, non-sticky grains.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking beef to allow proper searing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free version and honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.