Asian Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry
A quick and delicious stir fry with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a sweet ginger sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb 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
- 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)
- Chopped green onions (for a fresh crunch)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for added texture and flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the beef against the grain. Chop the vegetables as needed.
Make the Sweet Ginger Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, onions, bell peppers, carrot, zucchini, snap peas, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.
Combine Beef and Vegetables with Sauce
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the ginger sauce over everything. Stir well to coat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, and enjoy. For added flavor, marinate the beef slices in soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. Fresh vegetables will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.