Crispy Ground Beef Broccoli Fried Rice

Craving a weeknight dinner solution? Try this easy ground beef and broccoli fried recipe, a quick homemade family favorite made with tender beef and steamed broccoli, save for later

Ground Beef And Broccoli Fried

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the savory flavor of ground beef with the freshness of broccoli, all wrapped up in a crispy fried package. This Ground Beef And Broccoli Fried recipe is a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or an adventurous foodie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, it’s a dish that will leave you wanting more.

Why This Works

  • Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the richness of ground beef and the earthiness of broccoli, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make with readily available ingredients.
  • Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, this recipe is perfect for those short on time or new to cooking.
  • Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this dish delivers impressive results, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals alike.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe are ground beef, broccoli, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. The ground beef provides a rich and savory flavor, while the broccoli adds a burst of freshness and texture. The onion and garlic add a depth of flavor, while the soy sauce provides a salty and umami taste. Olive oil is used for frying, giving the dish a crispy exterior and a tender interior. For practical substitutions, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and cauliflower or carrots instead of broccoli.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic, and cut the broccoli into florets. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, and soy sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef mixture and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
  3. Step 3: Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until it’s tender but still crisp. This should take about 3-4 minutes, depending on the size of your broccoli florets.
  4. Step 4: Using a spoon, shape the ground beef and broccoli mixture into small patties or balls. Dip each patty into a beaten egg and then coat in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs. Fry the coated patties in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the fried patties on paper towels and serve hot.

Handy Tips

  • Make sure to not overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose its texture.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying. The ideal temperature is between 350°F and 375°F.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the patties, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy or undercooked patties.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when frying the patties. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the patties will burn on the outside before they’re fully cooked on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the patties will absorb too much oil and become greasy. To check the temperature, use a thermometer or drop a small piece of food into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the crispy exterior of the fried patties. To achieve this, make sure the oil is at the right temperature and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Also, use a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs to coat the patties, as this will help create a crunchy exterior. If you want an extra crunchy coating, you can chill the coated patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • Use a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch to coat the patties, as this will help create a crispy and tender exterior.
  • Add a little bit of vinegar to the oil before frying, as this will help reduce splattering and create a crisper exterior.
  • Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the fried patties from the oil, as this will help drain excess oil and prevent the patties from becoming greasy.

Storage Tips

  • Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, simply fry the patties in hot oil until they’re crispy and golden brown.
  • You can also freeze the coated patties on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, you can package the fried patties in a decorative tin or container, lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. You can also include a side of dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Flavor Variations

  • 🌟 Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the ground beef mixture.
  • 🌟 Use different seasonings, such as paprika or cumin, to give the dish a smoky or earthy flavor.
  • 🌟 Swap out the broccoli for other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to change up the texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

  • Texture problems: If the patties are too dense or heavy, try adding a little bit of breadcrumbs or flour to the mixture. If they’re too fragile or prone to breaking, try chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
  • Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. If you don’t have broccoli, you can use other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.
  • Over/undercooking signs: If the patties are overcooked, they’ll be dry and crispy. If they’re undercooked, they’ll be raw and pink in the center. Make sure to cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside.

FAQs

  • Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the coated patties on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
  • Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of breadcrumbs and soy sauce. However, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and oil temperature accordingly.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef And Broccoli Fried recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or an adventurous foodie, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the crunchy, savory goodness of these fried patties!

Leave a Comment