| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 15g | 4g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 35g | 1.3g |
Among the myriad recipes that I often experiment with in my wholesome southern kitchen, the Ginger Beef Stir Fry holds a special place in my heart. Its vibrant colors and vivacious flavors bring a unique fusion of my Tex-Mex roots and the oriental taste of stir-fry dishes.
So warm and hearty, yet bursting with health benefits, this recipe combines the incredible flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the freshness and vitality of a variety of wholesome ingredients. What makes it so incredible is that it is just as hearty as a good old Texas barbecue, yet it is bursting with a colorful array of vitamins, minerals, and lean protein.
Health Benefits of This Stir Fry
Let’s begin with the not-so-secret ingredient: ginger. A superfood in its own right, ginger has been used for centuries in various types of traditional/alternative medicine. It helps to reduce inflammation and can significantly help with indigestion. Registered dietitian nutritionist Malina Malkani, explains these benefits in detail.
Also, this Ginger Beef Stir Fry packs in other powerful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots which boost your fiber intake and give your immune system some much-needed support. The beef sirloin contributes lean protein, which is great for muscle building and weight management. Lastly, the dish is prepared with olive oil, a healthy fat that the Mayo Clinic suggests can reduce your ‘bad’ cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
The Ginger Beef Stir Fry and Food Pairings
One of the reasons I love this particular recipe so much is its versatility. Apart from enjoying it on its own, the Ginger Beef Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. If you want to stick with the oriental theme, steamed brown rice or noodles make a perfect companion. But if you’re like me, and you love a good Tex-Mex flair, consider pairing this stir fry with a side of cilantro lime rice or even warm tortillas for a fulfilling meal.
Additionally, this dish could also remind some of the traditional Tex-Mex fajita platter sans the sizzling sound. Just like a fajita, it’s a medley of stir-fried vegetables and meat. Only in this case, it’s served in a delightful soy-based sauce rather than being wrapped up in a tortilla.
Quick to whip up and packed with robust flavors, the Ginger Beef Stir Fry never fails to please. It gives me the platform to infuse my love for traditional southern recipes with a delightful global twist. So here’s hoping you love it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1 and a half pounds of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium-sized onions, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, diluted in 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for later.
Step Two
In the same pan or wok, add the minced ginger along with the minced garlic. Sauté them together for about a minute, or until they become fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the sliced bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry these until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the snow peas and water chestnuts to the pan, and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
Now it’s time to re-add the cooked beef to the pan. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce as well. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, so that the beef can soak up the flavors of the sauces and the vegetables.
Step Five
The final step is to thicken the stir-fry sauce. To do this, slowly pour in the cornstarch water mixture, while stirring continuously. Continue cooking the stir-fry until the sauce has thickened up to your liking.
Step Six
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Then serve hot from the pan and enjoy your homemade Ginger Beef Stir Fry!
