No Chop Stir-Fry(Wok)
A quick, flavorful stir-fry featuring ground beef, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and peanuts in a savory soy-sherry sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp. instant beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. frozen pea pods, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Stir soy sauce into cornstarch; stir in water, sherry, bouillon granules, and ginger. Set aside.
- Shape ground beef into 3/4-inch meatballs.
- Add cooking oil to a preheated wok over high heat. Stir-fry meatballs for 3 minutes or until browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Add drained water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and thawed pea pods. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Stir the soy sauce mixture and add it to the wok.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in peanuts.
- Serve over chow mein noodles or hot cooked rice if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked meatballs or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. You can also swap out the peanuts for cashews or almonds if desired. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of chili sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted with your favorite vegetables. Browse more Chinese recipes for additional inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with hot cooked rice or chow mein noodles. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad. If you like a bit of crunch, top with additional peanuts or sesame seeds. This dish makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner that can be easily customized.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to maintain the texture. Avoid reheating more than once to ensure quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Chop Stir-Fry(Wok) contains roughly 749 calories, with 13g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% 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 ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the texture of the meatballs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly as it may take a bit longer to brown when starting from frozen.
What can I substitute for dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can use white wine, rice vinegar, or even chicken broth as a substitute. Each will impart a different flavor, but they will still enhance the overall taste of the dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly with these alternatives.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this stir-fry vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or tofu. You can also increase the variety of vegetables used, such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini, to enhance the dish's flavor and texture. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain a robust taste.
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).