Let me tell you this Sticky Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of those dinners that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s full of flavor, and it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. You’ve got juicy beef mince, crunchy-tender broccoli, and a glossy, sticky sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and just a little smoky. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something comforting that still feels a little exciting. And the best part? It’s all done in one pan.
Method
Mix the Sauce
First, in a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 120 ml of cold water. Use a whisk or fork to mix it thoroughly until the cornflour dissolves completely and no lumps remain. This forms the base of your sticky sauce. Now, add 3 tablespoons of sriracha, 2 ½ tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce, 1 ½ tablespoons of soy sauce, ½ tablespoon of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of Chinese 5 spice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give the whole mixture a final stir until smooth and set it aside. This bold, spicy-sweet sauce is going to bring everything together at the end.
Cook the Veggies
Heat half the oil (about ½ tablespoon) in a large non-stick frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic, followed by the bell pepper and tenderstem broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, tossing them around frequently to avoid burning the garlic. You want the broccoli to stay bright green and keep a bit of crunch, while the peppers should soften slightly. Once they’re cooked just right, transfer the veggies to a plate and keep them aside. This step helps keep the veggies crisp and prevents overcooking later on.
Brown the Beef
In the same pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and add the beef mince. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to break the mince into small bits as it cooks. Let the beef brown properly don’t stir it too much at first so it gets those crispy, caramelized edges. This step takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, season it with a little salt and pepper to taste. Be patient during this step it really builds the flavor.
Combine Everything
Once the beef is nicely browned, pour the sticky sauce mixture you prepared earlier straight into the pan. Immediately start stirring everything together so the sauce coats the beef evenly. Keep stirring gently as the sauce bubbles and thickens, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The cornflour will help it turn glossy and cling to the beef like a glaze. When the sauce reaches a sticky consistency, add the cooked vegetables and spring onions back into the pan. Toss everything together until the veggies are warmed through and everything is well coated in the sauce. Now it’s ready to serve hot, saucy, and full of flavor.
Necessary Tools
- Large non-stick frying pan or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Small whisk or fork (for mixing cornflour slurry)
Sticky Beef and Broccoli
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
500g beef mince (10% fat)
200g tenderstem broccoli, trimmed
1 small bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
3 spring onions, finely chopped
3 tbsp sriracha
2 ½ tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
½ tbsp any vinegar
1 tbsp cornflour
120 ml cold water
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp Chinese 5 spice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour and cold water until smooth. Add sriracha, sweet chilli, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, Chinese 5 spice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. This is your magic sticky sauce. - Cook the Veggies
Heat half the oil in a large pan. Toss in the chopped garlic, bell pepper, and tenderstem broccoli. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are just starting to soften but still have a nice crunch. Remove them from the pan and set aside. - Brown the Beef
Add the rest of the oil to the same pan. Drop in the beef mince and cook on medium-high heat, breaking it apart with your spoon. Let it brown and sizzle don’t rush this part! Once it’s nicely cooked through and slightly crispy in bits, season with salt and pepper. - Combine Everything
Add the sauce to the beef. Stir and let it bubble until it thickens and gets nice and sticky about 2-3 minutes. Toss the cooked veggies and spring onions back in. Stir well until everything is coated and glossy.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the broccoli it should be bright green and slightly crisp, not mushy.
- Stir the sauce constantly once added or it might clump due to the cornflour.
- Let the beef really brown before adding the sauce. That’s where the flavor lives.
- Add the garlic before the beef so it flavors the oil and the veg burnt garlic will ruin the dish.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice, but it’s also great in lettuce cups for a lighter option. Want more crunch? Sprinkle some sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a fried egg on top makes it chef’s kiss.
Fun Fact
Chinese 5 spice isn’t just five random spices it’s a mix of sweet, warm, and slightly peppery flavors meant to balance the five elements in traditional Chinese medicine. Cool, right?
Conclusion
This Sticky Beef and Broccoli is one of my go-to recipes when I want a no-fuss meal that’s loaded with flavor. It’s got the right mix of heat, sweet, and savoriness, plus that satisfying sticky finish that makes you want seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chill weekend dinner, this one never disappoints. Enjoy every saucy bite.
