Ginger Beef
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting Ginger Beef, you know how it brings a delightful balance of flavors together in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe showcases tender strips of flank steak, perfectly coated and fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a fragrant sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat. It’s a dish that promises to impress family and friends alike, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets Ginger Beef apart from other beef dishes is its unique combination of textures and flavors. The flank steak is marinated and coated in a crispy batter before being fried to golden perfection. The sauce brings together a mix of savory, sweet, and spicy elements, creating a delicious harmony that dances on your taste buds. The addition of freshly minced ginger and garlic enhances the aroma, making your kitchen smell amazing as you cook. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that evokes warmth and joy.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 pound flank steak – cut into 1/4″ thin strips
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil – for frying
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – low sodium
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 5 cloves garlic – minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger – fresh, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions – thinly sliced
Cook’s Kit
- Large frying pan or wok – for frying the beef.
- Mixing bowls – to prepare the batter and sauce.
- Whisk – to mix the batter smoothly.
- Slotted spoon – to remove the beef from the oil.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
Ginger Beef, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting the flank steak into 1/4″ thin strips. This will ensure that the beef cooks quickly and remains tender.
Step 2: Marinate
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and dark soy sauce. Add the beef strips, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, white pepper, egg, and water until smooth. This mixture will create a crispy coating for the beef.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or wok, heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles upon contact.
Step 5: Coat the Beef
Take the marinated beef strips and dip them into the batter one at a time, ensuring they are completely covered.
Step 6: Fry the Beef
Carefully place the coated beef strips into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and let it drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, combine the remaining water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Add the crispy beef strips to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Ginger Beef to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
In-Season Swaps
- Instead of flank steak, you can use sirloin or chicken breast for a different protein.
- Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a nutritious boost.
- For a spicy kick, consider using fresh chili peppers instead of chili flakes.
Chef’s Rationale
The beauty of Ginger Beef lies in its simplicity and versatility. The choice of flank steak is perfect since it’s lean yet flavorful, making it ideal for quick cooking methods like frying. The batter creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender meat, while the sauce brings a luscious glaze that coats each bite. This dish can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences—whether you prefer more heat or sweetness, the sauce can be tailored to your liking.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the Ginger Beef in a pan over low heat until heated through. You can also freeze the uncooked battered beef strips for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and fry as directed. This way, you can enjoy a fresh, homemade meal anytime!
Ask & Learn
Can I use a different kind of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
What can I serve with Ginger Beef?
Ginger Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Ginger Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results to maintain the crispiness.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh sliced chilies to the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of chili sauce for an extra kick.
What to Make After This
- Beef Enchilada Recipe – A delicious twist on classic enchiladas.
- Beef Stroganoff Recipe – Creamy and comforting, perfect for any night.
- Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet and savory with a sticky glaze.
See You at the Table
As you take your first bite of this delightful Ginger Beef, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in many households. With its crispy texture, flavorful sauce, and tender beef, this dish is sure to bring smiles around your dinner table. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy the process of creating something truly delicious!
Ginger Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef. Cut the flank steak into 1/4" thin strips for quick cooking.
- Step 2: Marinate. Combine soy sauce, water, and dark soy sauce in a bowl, add beef strips, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Make the Batter. Whisk together cornstarch, all-purpose flour, white pepper, egg, and water until smooth.
- Step 4: Heat the Oil. Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 5: Coat the Beef. Dip marinated beef strips into the batter, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Step 6: Fry the Beef. Fry the coated beef strips in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Make the Sauce. In a separate pan, combine remaining water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili flakes, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Step 8: Combine Everything. Add the crispy beef strips to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- Experiment with different proteins like chicken or tofu for variety.
- Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat on low for best results.
