Thinly sliced beef is fried until crispy. It is then coated in a garlic and ginger sauce. 30 Minute Ginger Beef is an inexpensive dinner the whole family will love!
Ginger beef is a popular dish often found in Chinese-Canadian cuisine, known for its savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. The dish typically features tender strips of beef that are marinated, lightly battered, and fried until crispy. The beef is then stir-fried with a vibrant mix of ingredients. These include ginger and garlic. Sometimes, other vegetables like bell peppers and onions are added.
What sets ginger beef apart is its distinct sauce. It is usually a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and a generous amount of fresh ginger. This provides a sweet and tangy flavor with a delightful kick. The dish is often finished with a garnish of sesame seeds. Sliced green onions enhance its aroma and presentation.
Ginger beef is often served over steamed rice or alongside fried rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Its unique blend of spices and textures makes it a favorite for those seeking a flavorful and comforting dish.
Ingredients for Ginger Beef
- 1 pound skirt steak, sliced thinly (flank steak or beef tenderloin will work too)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups carrots, julienne (can use grated or shredded carrots too)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
- ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions for Making Delicious Ginger Beef
- Toss the steak with the corn starch in a large bowl and set aside.
- Over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and onions to a sauce pan. Sauté for two minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add the carrots to the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Next, add the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Stir into the carrots and onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Lastly, add the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Whisk together.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the sauce to slightly thicken.
- In the meantime, bring about 2-3 cups of vegetable oil to ideal frying temperature in a deep skillet. Shake the excess corn starch off the beef and fry each piece in batches until crispy. This process takes about 3-4 minutes. Drain the fried beef on paper towels.
- Toss the fried beef with the sauce mixture. Garnish with green onions. Serve instantly.
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Notes and Tips for Making Ginger Beef
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef:
- Opt for tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye for the best texture and flavor. Slice against the grain for greatest tenderness.
- Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. Do this for at least 30 minutes. Then, coat it with cornstarch. This adds extra flavor.
- The cornstarch gives the beef a light, crispy texture. Make sure to shake off excess cornstarch before frying to avoid clumping.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the beef will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Fry the beef in small batches to keep the oil’s temperature. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Change the amount of chili flakes to suit your spice preference. You can also add fresh sliced chili for extra heat.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Pre-ground spices can sometimes lose their potency over time.
- Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to enhance nutrition and color.
- Ginger beef pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. It can also be served alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan to preserve the crispiness of the beef.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for quick meal prep during the week. Just reheat and add to freshly fried beef.
Adhere to these notes and tips. You will achieve a delicious ginger beef dish. It will impress family and friends alike! Enjoy your cooking!
Ginger Beef
Ginger beef is a delicious dish that combines tender, crispy strips of beef with a vibrant sauce made from fresh ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. Often stir-fried with colorful vegetables, this dish is celebrated for its unique blend of savory and spicy flavors. Typically served over rice, ginger beef is a favorite in Chinese-Canadian cuisine and offers a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. Its aromatic appeal and delightful crunch make it a must-try for both ginger lovers and beef enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak, sliced thinly (flank steak or beef tenderloin will work too)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups carrots, julienne (can use grated or shredded carrots too)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
- ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, (adjust for sweetness)
- tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Toss the steak strips with corn starch in a large bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a saucepan over medium heat, add vegetable oil and onions. Sauté for 2 minutes until onions are translucent. Add carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic, ginger, and chili flakes; cook for an extra 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, brown sugar, and sesame seeds to the vegetable mixture. Whisk to combine. Lower the heat to a simmer, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Fry the Beef: In a deep skillet, heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil to frying temperature. Shake off excess corn starch from the beef. Fry each piece in batches for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until the pieces are crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried beef in the sauce mixture until evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve instantly, preferably over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade ginger beef!
Notes
- Beef Choice: Use tender cuts like flank or sirloin, slicing against the grain for tenderness.
- Cornstarch Coating: Ensure beef is evenly coated; shake off excess before frying for crispiness.
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches to maintain temperature.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes to your taste; fresh chilies can add extra heat.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Serving: Great with steamed rice or noodles; garnish with green onions for added flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan for best results. Enjoy your homemade ginger beef!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 1541mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 21g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
