Ginger Garlic Beef

Ginger Garlic Beef Recipe from North America, USA

Region / culture: North America, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ginger Garlic Beef is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with fresh vegetables in a savory ginger and garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Ginger Garlic Beef is a popular Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of ginger and garlic adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the beef, making it a favorite among many. This dish is often served in Chinese restaurants and is a staple in Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of lean top round steak
0.5 cup of low-sodium beef broth
3 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce
2.5 tsp of cornstarch
1 tsp of white sugar
1 tsp of grated fresh ginger
1 clove of garlic, smashed
low-fat cooking spray
3 cups of fresh broccoli florets
1 cup of sliced mushrooms, any kind
4 green onions, sliced in 1 inch pieces
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
fresh cicely, optional

How to prepare

Wrap the steak in cellophane and place it in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to partially freeze, making it easier to slice.
Trim off any excess fat, then thinly slice the beef into bite-sized pieces using a chef's knife or butcher knife.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, ginger, and garlic, then set it aside.
Spray a large skillet or wok with low-fat cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat.
Add the broccoli, mushrooms, and green onions, then stir-fry for about 4 minutes or until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
Remove the vegetables from the skillet or wok and set them aside.
Add the beef to the skillet or wok and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until it is browned on both sides.
Stir in the soy sauce mixture and cook until it thickens and starts bubbling. Add the vegetables back into the skillet and stir together until heated through.
Serve the dish garnished with fresh cicely, if desired.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to suit your personal taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Partially freezing the steak before slicing makes it easier to cut into thin, bite-sized pieces.

- Stir-frying the vegetables quickly over high heat helps to retain their crisp texture and vibrant color.

- Be sure to stir the soy sauce mixture well to ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.

- Garnishing the dish with fresh cicely adds a touch of freshness and brightness to the final presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Ginger Garlic Beef can be served over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal. It can also be paired with noodles or quinoa for a different twist.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: This dish is cooked quickly over high heat in a skillet or wok to retain the crisp texture of the vegetables and tenderize the beef.

Ingredient Substitutions

Low-sodium chicken broth can be used in place of beef broth.

- Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Ground ginger or garlic powder can be used in place of fresh ginger and garlic.

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetables can be chopped and the sauce mixture can be prepared ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ginger Garlic Beef in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ginger Garlic Beef with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Ginger Garlic Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 14g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 120% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Soy

Summary

Ginger Garlic Beef is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Ginger Garlic Beef is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends for a satisfying and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful - ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and tender beef. It was a dish that seemed to encapsulate everything I loved about cooking: the bold flavors, the comforting aromas, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

I first learned how to make Ginger Garlic Beef from my dear friend Mei Ling, who was a master in the kitchen. She had a way of effortlessly combining flavors and textures to create dishes that were both comforting and exciting. Mei Ling grew up in China and had a deep appreciation for traditional Chinese cooking techniques. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and cooking with love and care.

One afternoon, Mei Ling invited me over to her home to teach me how to make Ginger Garlic Beef. As soon as I walked through the door, I was enveloped in a cloud of enticing aromas - the sharp tang of ginger, the pungent garlic, and the rich umami of soy sauce. Mei Ling greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

"Today, we are going to make Ginger Garlic Beef," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "It's a simple dish, but the flavors are bold and unforgettable."

Mei Ling led me to her kitchen, where she had already prepared all the ingredients we would need. She showed me how to thinly slice the beef against the grain, which would ensure that it stayed tender and juicy when cooked. She then demonstrated how to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. The sweet and savory marinade infused the meat with a complex depth of flavor.

As the beef marinated, Mei Ling heated a wok on the stove and added a generous amount of oil. She explained that the key to a successful stir-fry was to cook the ingredients quickly over high heat, so they retained their vibrant colors and crisp textures. With a flick of her wrist, Mei Ling tossed in the marinated beef, the fragrant ginger, and the pungent garlic. The sizzle of the wok was music to my ears.

As the beef cooked, Mei Ling added a splash of chicken broth and a sprinkle of cornstarch to create a glossy sauce that coated the meat. The aroma that wafted from the wok was intoxicating - a heady blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, Mei Ling plated the Ginger Garlic Beef on a bed of steamed rice and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. The dish looked like a work of art, with its rich brown sauce glistening in the soft light of the kitchen.

"Try it," Mei Ling urged me, handing me a fork. I took a bite of the tender beef, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The meat was succulent and juicy, infused with the bold aromas of ginger and garlic. The sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, coating the rice in a delicious glaze.

I savored every bite of the Ginger Garlic Beef, marveling at how such simple ingredients could come together to create a dish that was so rich and satisfying. Mei Ling beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy her creation.

"Remember," she said, her eyes twinkling, "cooking is an act of love. When you cook with your heart, the flavors will always be true."

I left Mei Ling's house that day with a full stomach and a heart full of gratitude. She had taught me not just a recipe, but a philosophy of cooking that would stay with me for the rest of my days. The Ginger Garlic Beef became a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would make for my family and friends with love and care.

And every time I cooked it, I would think of Mei Ling and the joy she had brought into my life through her passion for food. Cooking was more than just a skill - it was a way to connect with others, to share a piece of yourself through the dishes you created.

So whenever I make Ginger Garlic Beef, I do so with a smile on my face and a grateful heart. For this simple yet extraordinary dish has taught me that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the flavors, but in the love and care that you bring to the table. And for that, I will always be thankful to Mei Ling, my dear friend and mentor in the kitchen.