Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry: Easy Recipe & Quick Dinner

Chinese ground beef stir fry: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine tender, savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned with a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors, all stir-fried to perfection with crisp, vibrant vegetables. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

Stir-frying, a cooking technique deeply rooted in Chinese culinary tradition, dates back centuries. It’s a method that emphasizes speed and efficiency, preserving the freshness and nutrients of the ingredients. While the exact origins of ground beef stir-fries are difficult to pinpoint, they represent a delightful fusion of classic Chinese techniques with readily available ingredients, making them a beloved staple in homes around the world.

What makes Chinese ground beef stir fry so irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that dance on your palate. The ground beef provides a satisfying protein base, while the vegetables add a delightful crunch and burst of freshness. But beyond the incredible taste, this dish is incredibly convenient. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s easily customizable to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. So, grab your wok and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup water chestnuts, sliced
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Beef:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prepare the ground beef. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful beef in our stir-fry.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Mix everything together really well with your hands (or a spoon if you prefer!). Make sure the spices and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the beef. This marinade will help tenderize the beef and infuse it with delicious flavor.
3. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to an hour. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Making the Sauce:

While the beef is marinating, let’s whip up the sauce. This sauce is the heart of our stir-fry, so we want to make sure it’s perfect!

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent any lumps in the sauce. The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, the rice vinegar provides a tangy kick, and the red pepper flakes add a little heat (adjust to your liking!).
3. Set the sauce aside for now. We’ll use it later when we’re stir-frying everything together.

Stir-Frying the Beef and Vegetables:

Now for the fun part – the stir-frying! This is where all the flavors come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding the beef.
2. Add the marinated ground beef to the wok or skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
3. Remove the cooked beef from the wok or skillet and set it aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the wok or skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok or skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Add the sliced red bell pepper, sliced green bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, sliced water chestnuts, and sliced bamboo shoots to the wok or skillet.
7. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bit of bite to them.
8. Return the cooked beef to the wok or skillet with the vegetables.
9. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables.
10. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken up quickly.
11. Make sure everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.

Serving:

Almost there! Now it’s time to serve up this delicious Chinese ground beef stir-fry.

1. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice. I prefer jasmine rice, but any type of rice will work.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These add a nice visual appeal and a little extra flavor.
3. Enjoy your homemade Chinese ground beef stir-fry!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy.
• Use different protein: You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even tofu.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Prep ahead: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the sauce ahead of time to save time during cooking.

Storage:

Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a quick, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your cravings for Chinese food at home. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Chinese ground beef stir fry isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it delivers authentic Chinese flavors in a fraction of the time and with ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Forget complicated sauces and hard-to-source spices – this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The savory ground beef, combined with the vibrant vegetables and the perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce, creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying – what more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic and comforting meal. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles. You could also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing lunch. And don’t be afraid to experiment with the vegetables! Add some sliced bell peppers for extra sweetness, or throw in some broccoli florets for added crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil will take it to the next level.

Serving Suggestions:

* Over white or brown rice
* With cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
* As a filling for lettuce wraps
* In spring rolls
* Stuffed in bell peppers and baked

Variations:

* Add different vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
* Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
* Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spice level.
* Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
* Drizzle with chili oil for added heat.
* Include water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for added crunch.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your wok (or a large skillet), gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible Chinese ground beef stir fry. I’m so excited for you to try it!

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories together!