Ingredients
Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey, or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons canola oil (or neutral cooking oil of choice, divided)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin 1/8-inch slices
- 1 large carrot, scrubbed and cut into thin 2 x 1/4-inch matchsticks or thin 1/8-inch coins
- 8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (or substitute 3 cups broccoli florets)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (from about a 1-inch piece)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus additional to taste)
- 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced (separate white/light green parts and dark green parts)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for serving)
- Cooked brown rice or white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Mix the sauce: In a liquid glass measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the soy sauce, water, maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smoothly combined. Set aside nearby for quick access during cooking.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. When the oil is hot and shiny, add the ground beef along with the kosher salt and black pepper. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, break up the meat and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Carefully wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell pepper, carrot matchsticks, and green beans. Cook the vegetables, stirring frequently, until they become crisp-tender, approximately 4 minutes.
- Flavor the vegetables: Add the minced fresh ginger and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the white and light green parts of the sliced green onions.
- Add beef and sauce: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Continue cooking and stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the reserved dark green parts of the green onions. Sprinkle the stir fry with optional sesame seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the hot ground beef stir fry over cooked brown or white rice.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in this dish.
- Vegetables can be swapped according to preference or seasonal availability; broccoli florets make a great substitute for green beans.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat