Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. As someone who has always been captivated by the rich culinary traditions of China, I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of taste and convenience. The history of stir-frying dates back centuries, originating as a method to quickly cook food over high heat, preserving both flavor and nutrients. This technique has evolved into a beloved cooking style that many of us cherish today.
What I love most about Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry is its incredible versatility. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that is both satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent juggling multiple tasks, this dish is a lifesaver, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. It’s no wonder that people adore this dish; the balance of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for family dinners and weeknight meals alike. Join me as we explore this easy yet flavorful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparing the Ingredients
1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. I like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I start cooking. 2. Mince the garlic and ginger. I usually use a microplane for the ginger to get it nice and fine. This helps release all those wonderful flavors. 3. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. You can choose any color you like; I often go for red or yellow for a pop of color. 4. Cut the broccoli into small florets. If you have larger pieces, you can chop them down to bite-sized pieces. 5. Julienne the carrot. I find that using a mandoline makes this task super quick and easy, but a sharp knife works just as well. 6. Chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. The white parts will be added to the stir fry, while the green tops will be used as a garnish. 7. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth or water. This will be your sauce mixture. Whisk it together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.Cooking the Ground Beef
8. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up for about a minute. 9. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. I usually let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 10. Season the beef with a little salt and pepper while it cooks. This helps to build flavor right from the start. 11. When the beef is fully cooked and browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave any excess fat in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the vegetables.Stir-Frying the Vegetables
12. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! 13. Next, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. I love the crunch of fresh vegetables in this dish! 14. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. 15. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. 16. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.Finishing Touches
17. Once the sauce has thickened, drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry. This adds a lovely nutty flavor that really elevates the dish. 18. Toss in the chopped white parts of the green onions and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or soy sauce as needed. 19. Remove the skillet from the heat. I like to let it sit for a minute to cool slightly before serving.Serving the Dish
20. Serve the ground beef stir fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. I usually prepare jasmine rice or egg noodles, but you can use whatever you prefer. 21. Garnish withConclusion:
In summary, this Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. The combination of savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce creates a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also packed with taste. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple schedules, or simply someone who loves good food, this recipe fits seamlessly into your life. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this stir fry with fluffy jasmine rice or tender noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even add in some tofu for a vegetarian twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry a try and make it your own. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, and I can’t wait to see how you put your spin on this delightful dish. Happy cooking! PrintChinese Ground Beef Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Busy Weeknights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Mince the garlic and ginger, slice the bell pepper, cut the broccoli into small florets, julienne the carrot, and chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green tops. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth or water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any excess fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and carrot, stir-frying for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If too thick, add a splash more beef broth or water.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and toss in the chopped white parts of the green onions. Stir well, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with the green tops of the green onions.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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