Name: Ginger 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; ¼ cup water; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger; 1 cup frozen peas; Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

There’s just something so comforting about the blend of spicy ginger and savory ground beef sizzling together, and that’s exactly why this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t feel ordinary.

The dish is served in a white bowl with a light brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white cooked rice, fluffy and soft in texture. On top of the rice, there is a layer of cooked ground meat, brown in color with a crumbly texture. Mixed evenly with the meat are bright green peas, adding color contrast and texture variety. The ingredients are piled naturally, showing a hearty and simple meal. 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 Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe — the kitchen smelled incredible, and the flavor combo was a hit with everyone at the table. It’s a no-fuss dish that somehow feels extra special without much effort.

Super Quick: From prep to plate in about 25 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
Balanced Flavors: The fresh ginger adds zing while brown sugar softens and balances the salty soy sauce.
Versatile Add-Ins: Frozen peas bring sweetness and color, but you can easily swap or add veggies you love.
Comforting and Light: Lean ground beef keeps it hearty without being heavy, so you feel good after eating.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe plays a vital role in making it both flavorful and approachable. Here’s why I love these choices and some tips to get the best results when you shop.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef neatly formed into a small mound, a few bright green fresh peas scattered naturally beside it, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden brown sugar crystals, another small white bowl holding minced peeled fresh ginger roots finely chopped, a small white ceramic bowl containing glossy dark soy sauce, all arranged symmetrically 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 for a good balance of flavor and less grease, which keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Tamari is perfect if you want gluten-free, but either brings that classic umami kick.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch to mellow the saltiness and highlight the ginger’s warmth.
Fresh Ginger: Minced fresh ginger provides a bright, peppery note that canned or powdered just can’t replicate.
Frozen Peas: They add a pop of color and natural sweetness, plus super convenient to have on hand.
Water: Helps create a little sauce so the beef stays tender and flavorful instead of drying out.
Cooked Rice (Optional): Totally optional but makes for a complete, satisfying meal if you want to serve it as a bowl.

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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

This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is a perfect base for your own twists. I like to sneak in extra veggies or experiment with sauces depending on what’s in my fridge.

Variation: Adding thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots not only boosts nutrition but also adds a crunch I love for texture contrast.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha for a bit of heat when I want to dial up the excitement.
Swap the Beef: Ground turkey or chicken work great if you prefer a lighter protein or want to change things up.
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap soy sauce for tamari and keep an eye on other sauces to keep things safe and delicious.

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

The dish shows a single white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, fluffy texture, and the top layer is a mix of cooked ground meat in small brown crumbles and bright green peas scattered evenly. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray and white cloth partially visible below. A silver spoon rests on the right edge inside the bowl, slightly touching the rice and meat mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté with Care

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high, then add the ground beef alongside soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh minced ginger, and ¼ cup of water. Break the beef apart gently with a wooden spoon. I find patience here pays off—let the beef brown nicely, which should take about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly without steaming.

Step 2: Add the Sweet Peas

Once the beef is browned, stir in the peas. They’ll thaw and cook quickly while the liquid reduces. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so you end up with a slightly sticky, flavorful coating on the beef. This step is key because it intensifies the flavors and keeps the dish juicy but not wet.

Step 3: Serve It Up

Serve right away over steamed rice if you're in the mood for a classic donburi experience. This dish is fantastic warm, so I always make sure the rice is ready before I start cooking the beef—it keeps dinner stress-free!

Top Tip

After making this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe several times, I learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish and avoid common pitfalls.

Use Fresh Ginger: Pre-minced or powdered ginger just doesn’t deliver the same bright zing and freshness—don’t skip it!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you crowd the beef, it will steam instead of brown; work in batches if needed for perfect caramelization.
Watch Your Water: The ¼ cup water prevents dryness but too much liquid will leave the stir-fry soupy—let it reduce fully.
Peas Last: Adding the peas just at the end keeps their sweet pop and prevents them from getting mushy.

How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Sometimes, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime brightens up the whole dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, but I also enjoy it alongside simple cucumber salad or roasted broccoli for extra veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe in mini lettuce cups—fun, fresh, and perfect for sharing. Another time, I used it as a filling for soft steamed buns, taking it from quick dinner to fun appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I portion the stir-fry into freezer-safe containers. It freezes nicely and is super easy to thaw for a quick meal later in the week.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and the peas fresh, adding a splash of water to loosen things up if it’s a bit dry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in easily for a lighter version. Just note that the cooking time might be a little shorter since these proteins cook faster than beef.

Why do you add water to the stir-fry?

Adding ¼ cup of water helps create a bit of sauce so the ground beef stays moist and tender. It also helps distribute the soy sauce and brown sugar flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Can I prepare this stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet when ready to serve, and add fresh vegetables or garnish for the best experience.

What’s the best side dish to serve with this recipe?

Steamed rice is the classic choice, but I also love pairing this dish with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the savory beef.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes: tasty, quick, and comforting. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s like a little hug in a bowl after a busy day. Give it a try and tweak it to make it your own—you won't regret it!