Name: Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 pound 90/10 ground beef; ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 cups cooked rice, for serving (optional)

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a dish that’s quick to make, comforting to eat, and bursting with flavor. This Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe hits all those notes with a punch of warm ginger and savory-sweet balance that keeps me coming back for more. Trust me, it’s the type of meal that makes weeknight dinners feel like a little celebration.

A white bowl filled with two clear layers: the bottom layer is white, fluffy rice with a soft and slightly sticky texture, while the top layer is made up of small, brown, cooked ground meat mixed with bright green peas that add a pop of color and round texture, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t recommend this Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe enough because it’s a perfect balance of speedy prep and deep flavors. Plus, I love how versatile it is—making it one of my go-to recipes when I want comfort food without the fuss.

Quick and Easy: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, which is lifesaving after a busy day.
Bold, Layered Flavor: Fresh ginger and a bit of brown sugar create a savory-sweet combo that makes every bite exciting.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it super approachable.
Great for Leftovers: This stir-fry holds up well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it again without losing any flavor or texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe plays a special role to create that rich, balanced flavor. From the savory soy sauce that adds depth, to the fresh ginger which wakes up your palate, it’s a harmony of tastes and textures. When you shop, look for fresh ginger that’s firm and vibrant, and choose quality soy sauce or tamari for the best flavor punch.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef in a mound, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of golden brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl filled with freshly minced pale yellow peeled ginger, a small white bowl of vibrant green frozen peas, and two whole brown eggs placed neatly in a row, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white ceramic plate and dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground Beef: I prefer 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio—it browns beautifully and stays juicy without too much grease.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Use low sodium for better control over saltiness, and tamari if you want gluten-free.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory with a gentle sweetness that complements ginger perfectly.
Fresh Ginger: The star of the show; adds warmth, spice, and brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Frozen Peas: They bring a pop of color and a mild sweetness that's so satisfying paired with beef.
Water: Helps distribute seasonings evenly and keeps the beef tender while cooking.
Cooked Rice (Optional): A neutral base that soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite comforting.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to mix things up with this Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. It’s a flexible formula that welcomes your favorite tweaks without ever losing its charm.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the peas for chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch; it’s a fresh twist I really enjoy.
Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha makes it perfectly spicy if you want to turn up the heat.
Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped mushrooms or snap peas if you want to bulk it up with more veggies.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you’re after a lighter option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

A white bowl with two layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, with a smooth and soft texture filling the bowl. On top is a thick layer of cooked ground meat, brown in color with a crumbly texture, mixed with bright green peas scattered evenly through the meat. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the bowl, partially dug into the rice and meat. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture and a gray cloth with a white grid pattern is placed near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef and Ginger

Heat your skillet over medium-high and toss in the ground beef with soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and that fresh minced ginger. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef finely—this helps it brown evenly and soak up all those wonderful flavors. Keep stirring for about 8 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and fragrant. You want to cook off most of the liquid here but don’t rush to dry it out completely.

Step 2: Add the Peas and Let It Simmer

Stir in the frozen peas—no need to thaw them beforehand. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes while the mixture thickens and the peas heat through. This is when the flavors really meld together and that gorgeous glossy finish develops on the beef. If you notice too much liquid, turn up the heat slightly and stir frequently to evaporate it.

Step 3: Serve Warm Over Rice

Once the liquid evaporates and the beef-ginger mixture is thick and saucy, it’s ready. I love spooning it generously over a bowl of steaming rice—white, brown, or jasmine, whatever you prefer. It’s comforting, complete, and perfect for a quick-family meal or solo dinner.

Top Tip

After making the Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference in the final dish. These small insights can help you achieve a better texture and deeper flavor every time.

Don’t Skip Fresh Ginger: I’ve tried powders, but fresh minced ginger gives such a brighter, livelier flavor—totally worth the extra effort.
Break Up the Beef Well: Using a wooden spoon to crumble the beef finely helps it brown evenly and creates that perfect "soboro" texture.
Watch the Liquid: If you end up with too much sauce, just turn the heat up and let it simmer down—this thickens the coating beautifully.
Choose Your Rice Wisely: Jasmine or short grain rice adds a fragrant base that pairs perfectly with the gingery beef, but brown rice works if you want something heartier.

How to Serve Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped scallions and a few toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh, nutty finish that adds a bit of elegance to this humble dish. Sometimes, a little drizzle of toasted sesame oil after cooking amps up the aroma and richness.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this stir-fry with a simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil or a side of steamed broccoli for a green crunch. Light miso soup or steamed edamame also make excellent companions for an easy weeknight Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served the gingery beef wrapped in lettuce cups topped with shredded carrot and fresh herbs—everyone enjoyed assembling their own little bites. You can also turn it into a rice bowl with avocado slices, pickled ginger, and a soft boiled egg on top for a special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before sealing it up to avoid sogginess. When you reheat, the flavors really settle and often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry a few times with good results—just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. For best texture, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Peas might be a bit softer, but the overall flavor stays amazing.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through and the texture feels just right—this helps avoid drying out the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different ground meat in the Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives, but you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid dryness. Adding a tiny bit of oil can also help keep the meat moist.

Is it necessary to add peas to the stir-fry?

Not at all. Peas add a nice splash of color and sweetness, but you can swap them out with other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots based on your preference or what’s on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the beef moist and delicious. This helps maintain the texture and flavor much better than microwaving alone.

Final Thoughts

This Gingery Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation because it’s simple, fast, and full of heartwarming flavor. It’s like getting a little comforting hug right on your plate—something I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing just as much as I do. Give it a try soon and watch how it becomes your new favorite busy night lifesaver!