Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just 25 minutes! This Quick and Easy Ginger Beef and Onion Stir Fry is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. With its perfect balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and zesty ginger, this Chinese-inspired recipe will have your family begging for seconds - and it's so simple, even novice cooks can become instant kitchen heroes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Slice the beef sirloin into thin, uniform strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the fresh ginger finely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let the beef marinate for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface evenly.
- When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the minced ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Allow the meat to sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stir-fry the beef, tossing quickly to cook evenly, about 2-3 minutes until it's mostly browned but still slightly pink in the center.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the wok. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the stir-fry and toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. The beef should remain tender and the vegetables should retain their vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Slice Meat Against the Grain: Always cut beef across the muscle fibers to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or wide skillet and keep the heat high to achieve that authentic stir-fry sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Prep Before Cooking: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow ingredients to caramelize properly.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even a short 5-10 minute marinade can significantly enhance the beef's taste and tenderness.
- Keep Vegetables Crisp: Add vegetables later in the cooking process to maintain their color, texture, and nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
