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Asian Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Asian Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry Recipe

5.1 from 30 reviews

This Asian Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry combines tender slices of lean beef with vibrant vegetables, all coated in a luscious sweet and ginger-infused sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, enhanced by fragrant garlic and fresh ginger. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Stir Fry:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for an added flavor boost)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or sliced into thin strips
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated (or more, if you love ginger)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sweet Ginger Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for a rich, nutty flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
  • 1/4 cup water (to dilute the sauce and create the perfect consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped green onions (for a fresh crunch)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for added texture and flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain using a sharp knife for maximum tenderness. Set aside. Wash and thinly slice the onion, red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot into strips. Trim the snap peas or green beans. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger to unlock their bold flavors.
  2. Make the Sweet Ginger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Add chili flakes for optional heat and set the sauce aside to be used later.
  3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each batch for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove the cooked beef and keep warm.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Stir-fry onion, bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir for an additional minute to release their aroma. Toss in the snap peas or green beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes until vibrant and crisp-tender.
  5. Combine Beef and Vegetables with Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sweet ginger sauce over the mixture. Stir well to coat all ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the stir fry. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra honey if desired.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, accompanied by steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For more tender beef, slice against the grain and avoid overcooking.
  • Use sesame oil to add a nutty depth to the dish, but vegetable oil works fine for a neutral taste.
  • Adjust the sweetness and heat levels to your preference by varying the honey and chili flakes.
  • To save prep time, you can purchase pre-sliced stir fry vegetables from the market.
  • This recipe pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, or Asian noodles like udon or soba.
  • Leftovers store well and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave for quick meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian beef stir fry, sweet ginger beef, quick stir fry, healthy beef recipe, ginger garlic beef, easy Asian dinner