Ginger Beef

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Chinese

Ginger Beef is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender sliced flank steak infused with fresh ginger, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for those craving bold, spicy, and savory flavors, it's a quick stir-fry that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. flank steak
  • 2 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp. dark soy sauce
  • peanut oil
  • vegetable oil
  • corn oil
  • 3/4 cup finely shredded fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. dry sherry

Instructions

  1. Slice beef thin against the grain.
  2. Coat beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and 1/2 tablespoon oil.
  3. Put shredded ginger into a mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt, let stand 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze to get juice out.
  4. Heat 1 cup oil in wok.
  5. Add beef; cook until meat loses red color.
  6. Drain beef, saving 2 tablespoons of oil.
  7. Blend sugar, dry sherry, and monosodium glutamate; set aside.
  8. Heat 2 tablespoons of the saved oil.
  9. Add ginger juice to the hot oil.
  10. Add beef and coriander leaves.
  11. Cook for 1 minute.
  12. Add the wine mixture; heat briefly, then serve over rice or noodles.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal tenderness, slice the flank steak against the grain and marinate it briefly with cornstarch and soy sauce. If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can substitute with regular soy sauce but add a pinch more sugar for balance. Fresh ginger is key for flavor, but you could use ground ginger in a pinch, though the texture will differ.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this ginger beef over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables, making it a great side dish. Consider adding a simple cucumber salad or spring rolls for a refreshing contrast. For more ideas, check out other Chinese recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent the beef from becoming tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ginger Beef contains roughly 184 calories, with 2g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1096mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

184 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 42.9g 16% DV
Fiber 3.2g 12% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1096mg 48% DV
Potassium 195.2mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.9mcg
Vitamin C 20.8mg 23% DV
Calcium 19mg 1% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Soy Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye, which will also yield tender results. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may vary in thickness and tenderness.

What can I serve with ginger beef?

Ginger beef pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed bok choy or a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and ginger mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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