These Sesame Beef and Broccoli Wraps turn a classic takeout favorite into a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
Packed with lean ground beef and fiber-rich broccoli, each wrap offers a satisfying boost of protein and healthy fats from sesame oil.
Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a balanced lunch, combining bold flavors with nutritious ingredients in every bite.
25-Minute Beef Broccoli Wrap
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (10–12 inch)
- 1 wooden spatula
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons set
- 1 microwave-safe plate with paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 tsp vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ lb ≈3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 3 scallions minced (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 4 spinach tortillas 10–12 inch
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional for serving:
- Additional sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Chile crisp
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet for Cooking: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 30–60 seconds until it becomes shimmering but not smoking. This ensures that the ground beef will sear nicely, locking in its juices and flavor.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spatula, break the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and begins to brown, which should take around 5 minutes. This forms a flavorful base for the wrap filling.
- Add Aromatics for Flavor: Once the beef is mostly cooked, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of freshly minced ginger. Stir immediately to combine and sauté for 1 minute, just until the aroma of the garlic and ginger is released. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) and 2 tablespoons of honey over the beef. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir constantly to coat the beef evenly in the sweet and savory mixture. Allow the liquid to simmer for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly, thickening into a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Transfer Beef and Reserve Fat: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef into a small mixing bowl, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.Discard the remaining fat. Keeping a small amount of fat in the pan adds flavor when cooking the broccoli without making it greasy.
- Steam the Broccoli to Perfection: Add ¾ pound of chopped broccoli florets to the skillet along with ½ cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and steam the broccoli over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes, just until it becomes bright green and tender-crisp. This quick steaming retains the broccoli’s nutrients, color, and crunch.
- Season the Broccoli: Once the broccoli is cooked, remove the lid and add the white parts of 3 minced scallions, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss gently to combine, allowing the aromatics and sesame oil to coat each floret. This step gives the broccoli a rich, nutty flavor and a subtle hint of spice.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap each of the 4 spinach tortillas in a paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 15–30 seconds, just until pliable and warm. Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking or tearing when rolling the wraps.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread ½ cup of cooked rice evenly across the center, followed by ½ cup of the seasoned beef and ½ cup of the broccoli. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds on top. Adjust the amounts slightly if needed to avoid overfilling.
- Roll the Wraps Tightly: Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling. Then, fold the bottom edge up and roll tightly to enclose the ingredients completely. Make sure the filling is compact to prevent spilling. Repeat this process for all 4 tortillas.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice each wrap in half, creating a neat presentation. Serve immediately with optional accompaniments such as extra sesame oil, soy sauce, or a spoonful of chile crisp for added heat. These wraps are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or meal prep for the week.
- Optional Meal Prep Tip: If preparing for later, wrap each assembled wrap tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet to maintain the texture of the rice and broccoli without making the tortilla soggy.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat while keeping the wraps flavorful and satisfying.
- Pound or break the beef evenly as it cooks to ensure uniform browning and even coating with the sauce.
- Keep the broccoli tender-crisp; overcooking can make it mushy and diminish its vibrant color.
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking and make wrapping easier.
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the wraps.
- This recipe is versatile—you can swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- The sauce reduces quickly, so watch it closely to avoid burning while maximizing its sticky, savory-sweet coating.
Chef’s Secrets: Unlock Flavorful Wrap Magic
To elevate these wraps, focus on layering flavors and textures. Browning the beef properly creates a rich, caramelized base that contrasts perfectly with the crisp broccoli.
Using fresh garlic and ginger adds a fragrant punch that bottled sauces alone cannot replicate.
Toasting sesame oil briefly in the skillet before adding the broccoli enhances its nutty aroma.
Finally, balance sweet, salty, and spicy elements carefully; a dash of honey, soy, and crushed red pepper creates a complex, restaurant-quality flavor in a home-friendly format.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Meal Pairing Ideas
Serve these wraps as a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. Pair them with a light side salad, such as shredded cabbage with a sesame-lime dressing, or crunchy pickled vegetables for added texture.
They also work beautifully with a small bowl of miso soup or steamed edamame for a full Asian-inspired meal.
For a fun family-style presentation, lay all components out buffet-style, allowing everyone to assemble their own wraps with extra toppings like chile crisp, extra sesame oil, or sliced scallions.
Storage Tips: Keep Wraps Fresh Longer
These wraps are perfect for meal prep, but proper storage is key to maintaining texture.
Store fully assembled wraps in airtight containers or wrap tightly in parchment and plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If storing rice separately, keep it in its own container to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet, just until warm, to keep the broccoli crisp and the tortilla soft.
For longer storage, freeze unrolled components individually and assemble wraps after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even firm tofu work well. Adjust cooking times slightly: tofu should be lightly pan-fried to develop a golden crust, while ground poultry cooks faster than beef.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and ensure tortillas are labeled gluten-free.
Brown rice or quinoa are safe substitutes for traditional rice.
3. How spicy are these wraps?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild, pleasant heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, or omit entirely for a milder version.
Optional toppings like chile crisp let you control heat individually.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Cook all components ahead and store separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Assemble wraps just before serving for the best texture, or keep fully assembled wraps refrigerated if serving within the day.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms are great additions.
Sauté them lightly with the broccoli to maintain their crunch and flavor.
Mixing vegetables also increases fiber and nutritional content without overpowering the wrap’s flavor profile.
