Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Beef Stir Fry featuring lean beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory maple-soy sauce, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey, or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Main
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or neutral cooking oil), divided
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin 1/8-inch slices
- 1 large carrot, scrubbed and cut into thin 2 x 1/4-inch matchsticks or thin 1/8-inch coins
- 8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (or 3 cups broccoli florets)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (from about a 1-inch piece)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus additional to taste)
- 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced (white/light green parts and dark green parts divided)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for serving)
- Cooked brown rice or white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a liquid glass measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the soy sauce, water, maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smoothly combined. Set aside. Gather all ingredients near the stove, as stir-frying moves quickly.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. When oil is hot and shiny, add the ground beef along with salt and black pepper. Use a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula to break up the meat, cooking until fully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate.
- Cook the vegetables: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon canola oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and green beans. Stir often and cook until vegetables are crisp-tender, roughly 4 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced fresh ginger and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions and stir to combine.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients and stir well to coat evenly. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the reserved dark green parts of the sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over cooked brown or white rice.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- Feel free to swap green beans with broccoli florets depending on your preference.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to customize the heat level.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp-tender texture of the vegetables.
