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Ultimate Ground Beef Stir Fry

A high-impact, 20-minute meal that transforms budget-friendly ground beef into a gourmet-tier stir fry. By focusing on an intense initial sear and a balanced ginger-soy sauce, this dish delivers a professional "wok hei" smoky flavour and a satisfying, crispy texture that outperforms traditional takeout.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time (Optional) 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: 30-Minute Meals, Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Classics
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-Inspired, Fusion
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g Ground Beef 10% or 15% fat is ideal for the best "shatter-crisp" sear.
  • 2 tbsp High-Smoke Point Oil Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil; avoid extra virgin olive oil.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Finely minced or grated using a Microplane.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Grated; adds a bright, punchy contrast to the rich beef.
  • 150 Snap Peas or Broccoli Cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum crunch.
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper Thinly sliced to ensure it cooks at the same speed as the beef.

Equipment

  • 1 Carbon Steel Wok 14-inch is ideal. High heat retention is key for the "shatter-crisp" beef texture.
  • 1 Wok Spatula (Chuan) Curved to fit the wok's walls, allowing for high-speed tossing and turning.
  • 1 Microplane / Fine Grater For grating garlic and ginger into a paste to ensure they melt into the sauce.
  • 1 Small Glass Mixing Bowl Specifically for whisking the cornflour slurry and stir-fry sauce.
  • 1 Chef's Knife A sharp blade is required for the precision-cut vegetables.

Method
 

  1. The High-Heat Prep
    Associated Ingredients: High-Smoke Point Oil Place your carbon steel wok or heavy skillet over high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering and just starting to send up a wisp of smoke. This is the "Sizzle Test" phase—essential for preventing the meat from sticking and ensuring an immediate sear.
  2. The Shatter-Crisp Sear
    Associated Ingredients: Ground Beef Add the cold ground beef to the pan. Do not stir immediately. Let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a deep, dark brown crust. Once charred, break the meat into large, chunky crumbles and flip to sear the other side.
  3. The Vegetable Flash
    Associated Ingredients: Snap Peas, Broccoli, Red Bell Pepper Push the beef to the sides of the wok (the "cool zone") or remove it briefly. Toss in your vegetables. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until they are vibrant and "tender-crisp." The high heat renders the remaining beef fat, which coats the vegetables in savory flavor.
  4. The Aromatic Bloom
    Associated Ingredients: Garlic, Ginger Create a small well in the center of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for exactly 60 seconds. This "Aroma Timing" ensures the aromatics release their essential oils without turning bitter or burning.
  5. The Glossy Finish
    Associated Ingredients: Stir-Fry Sauce, Cornflour Slurry, Toasted Sesame Oil Give your sauce/slurry mixture a final whisk and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything vigorously for 60 seconds. The sauce will bubble and thicken instantly into a professional, glossy glaze. Remove from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil.

Notes

🍽 Serving & Presentation

Serve the stir fry immediately while the "Wok Hei" aroma is at its peak.
  • The Base: Scoop over steaming jasmine rice or rice noodles.
  • The Garnish: Top with finely sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for a professional color contrast.
  • The Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lime to cut through the rich umami glaze.