High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and satisfying stir fry combining lean ground beef with crisp broccoli in a savory-sweet Korean-inspired sauce, perfect for a protein-packed weeknight meal. This korean-inspired stir fry (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs lean ground beef (90% lean), broccoli florets, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups broccoli florets and 2 tbsp water to the skillet. Cover and steam the broccoli for 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with broccoli. Pour the sauce over and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and broccoli.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lean ground beef (90% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is High-Protein Korean Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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