Spicy Ginger Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Spicy Ginger Beef Stir Fry Recipe | Zesty One-Pan Asian Delight

I recently tried making a spicy ginger beef stir fry, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. The tender strips of sirloin, combined with the crispy ginger matchsticks and vibrant vegetables, created a dish bursting with flavor. 

While experimenting, I realized this dish is just as satisfying as other ground beef recipes I love, like this Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe. The sweet and savory sauce tied everything together perfectly. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful stir fry:

• 350 g (3/4 lb) sirloin steak – Opt for sirloin as it’s tender and cooks quickly. For easier slicing, freeze the steak for 30 minutes before cutting thinly against the grain.
• 5 tbsp neutral oil – Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil for frying.
• 1 large chunk of fresh ginger – Peel using a teaspoon to minimize waste, then slice into thin matchsticks for crispiness.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
• 1 medium onion – Chopped to provide sweetness and texture.
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger – Minced to infuse the dish with a fresh, zesty kick.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic depth.
• 1 large head of broccoli – Cut into small florets for crunch and nutrition.
• 1 medium bunch of spring onions/scallions – Chopped to add a mild onion flavor and color.
• 150 g (1 packed cup) mangetout (snow peas) – Provides a sweet crunch.
• Two large handfuls of fresh baby spinach – Wilted into the stir fry for added greens.
• 1 tsp chili flakes – For a touch of heat.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Variations

Looking to customize your stir fry? Here are some variations:

• Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with tofu, mushrooms, or a meat-free alternative like Quorn.
• Spicier: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies to the stir fry.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the sauce to suit your taste.
• You can also enjoy similar flavor combinations with other Ground Beef Recipes.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Wok or Large Frying Pan: For stir-frying the ingredients quickly over high heat.
• Slotted Spoon: To remove the crispy ginger and beef without excess oil.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the beef and vegetables.
• Chopping Board: For safely preparing all your ingredients.
• Small Bowl: To mix the sauce ingredients.

How to Make Spicy Ginger Beef Stir Fry

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by slicing the sirloin steak thinly against the grain. Freezing the steak for 30 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier and results in more tender pieces.

Peel the fresh ginger using a spoon to minimize waste, then slice into thin matchsticks. Mince the remaining ginger and garlic. Chop the onion, broccoli, spring onions, and prepare the mangetout and spinach.

2. Fry the Ginger Matchsticks

Heat the neutral oil in a wok or large frying pan until shimmering hot. Add the ginger matchsticks and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.

3. Cook the Beef

Season the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper. In the same wok, add half of the beef and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

If necessary, add a bit more oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced ginger and garlic, frying for an additional 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, spring onions, and mangetout, stir-frying for about a minute.

5. Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce into the wok with the vegetables and bring to a boil. Let it bubble and thicken for about a minute.

6. Combine and Finish

Return the cooked beef to the wok, stirring to combine. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another minute until wilted.

Serve the stir fry over boiled rice or noodles, topping with the crispy ginger matchsticks and a sprinkle of chili flakes. For a leaner version, you could try incorporating elements from this Lean Ground Beef Recipe.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• High Heat Cooking: Ensure the wok is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry sear.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas based on your preference.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the beef and adjust the sugar to your liking.
• Make It Ahead: While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance to save time during cooking.

How to Serve Spicy Ginger Beef Stir Fry

Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy boiled rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can pair it with egg-fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Garnish with the crispy ginger matchsticks and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added texture and heat.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving (without rice or noodles)
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the vegetables may become soggy upon reheating.
Reheating: Reheat thoroughly in a wok or frying pan over medium heat until piping hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s a standout:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The sweet and savory sauce, combined with the spicy kick, creates a deliciously balanced dish.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the heat level and vegetables to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables for a wholesome meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The crispy ginger matchsticks add a gourmet touch to your plate.

Ash Tyrrell

Spicy Ginger Beef Stir Fry Recipe

I recently tried making a spicy ginger beef stir fry, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. The tender strips of sirloin, combined with the crispy ginger matchsticks and vibrant vegetables, created a dish bursting with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 350 g 3/4 lb sirloin steak – Opt for sirloin as it’s tender and cooks quickly. For easier slicing, freeze the steak for 30 minutes before cutting thinly against the grain.
• 5 tbsp neutral oil – Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil for frying.
• 1 large chunk of fresh ginger – Peel using a teaspoon to minimize waste then slice into thin matchsticks for crispiness.
• ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
• 1 medium onion – Chopped to provide sweetness and texture.
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger – Minced to infuse the dish with a fresh zesty kick.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic depth.
• 1 large head of broccoli – Cut into small florets for crunch and nutrition.
• 1 medium bunch of spring onions/scallions – Chopped to add a mild onion flavor and color.
• 150 g 1 packed cup mangetout (snow peas) – Provides a sweet crunch.
• Two large handfuls of fresh baby spinach – Wilted into the stir fry for added greens.
• 1 tsp chili flakes – For a touch of heat.

Method

 

1. Begin by slicing the sirloin steak thinly against the grain. Freezing the steak for 30 minutes beforehand makes slicing easier and results in more tender pieces. Peel the fresh ginger using a spoon to minimize waste, then slice into thin matchsticks. Mince the remaining ginger and garlic. Chop the onion, broccoli, spring onions, and prepare the mangetout and spinach.
2. Heat the neutral oil in a wok or large frying pan until shimmering hot. Add the ginger matchsticks and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
3. Season the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper. In the same wok, add half of the beef and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef.
4. If necessary, add a bit more oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced ginger and garlic, frying for an additional 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, spring onions, and mangetout, stir-frying for about a minute.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce into the wok with the vegetables and bring to a boil. Let it bubble and thicken for about a minute.
6. Return the cooked beef to the wok, stirring to combine. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another minute until wilted. Serve the stir fry over boiled rice or noodles, topping with the crispy ginger matchsticks and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Notes

• Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• High Heat Cooking: Ensure the wok is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry sear.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas based on your preference.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the beef and adjust the sugar to your liking.
• Make It Ahead: While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance to save time during cooking.