Hamburger Stir-Fry
A savory beef stir-fry with fresh vegetables and a sweet soy-honey glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. green beans ⓘ
- 1 small white turnip ⓘ
- 4 large fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 10 oz. fresh spinach ⓘ
- dry roasted peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Shape the ground beef into one large patty.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat.
- Brown the beef patty for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes on each side.
- Break the meat into chunks and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, sliced celery, grated carrot, green beans, chopped turnip, and sliced mushrooms to the wok.
- Stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Return the beef to the wok with the vegetables.
- Add chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and dissolved cornstarch mixture.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve the stir-fry over hot cooked rice, garnished with dry roasted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-chopped vegetables or frozen stir-fry mixes. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add chili paste or red pepper flakes. Pair this dish with hot cooked rice or noodles, and for a twist, try serving it with a side of Spicy Chicken Chow Mein (Crock-Pot Recipe).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious stir-fry over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with dry roasted peanuts for added crunch and flavor. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad. For more ideas, browse more Chinese recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or a stovetop skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the stir-fry from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Stir-Fry contains roughly 1547 calories, with 9g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1227mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen vegetables in this stir-fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the wok to avoid excess moisture. This will help maintain the desired texture of the stir-fry.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.
What type of rice is best to serve with this stir-fry?
Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully with this stir-fry due to their aromatic qualities and fluffy texture. Alternatively, brown rice can be used for a heartier option, providing more fiber and nutrients.
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).