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 something utterly satisfying about the mix of spicy warmth and savory goodness in a Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a quick weeknight winner that delivers big flavor without fuss — and the comforting aroma of fresh ginger cooking with beef? Absolutely irresistible.

A white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, soft and slightly separated, covering the whole base. On top, there is a thick layer of browned ground meat mixed with bright green peas scattered evenly across the meat. The meat looks crumbly and cooked, while the peas add a fresh, smooth texture and vibrant contrast to the dish. The bowl rests 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 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

This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something comforting yet quick. It’s simple, combines pantry staples with fresh ginger zing, and turns into a perfectly balanced dish in under 30 minutes. Plus, it's great for busy evenings when you want a tasty dinner on the table, fast.

Speedy and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: Fresh ginger gives this dish a bright, uplifting kick that pairs amazingly with the savory ground beef.
One-Skillet Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup for you. Win-win!
Flexible and Crowd-Friendly: Great served on rice or alongside your favorite veggies — it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This stir-fry is a lesson in how just a few ingredients, thoughtfully combined, deliver a satisfying meal. The fresh ginger brightens and lifts the richness of the ground beef, while the soy sauce adds umami depth and that subtle salty-sweet balance from the brown sugar keeps everything harmonious.

Flat lay of fresh raw 90/10 ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl holding light brown granulated brown sugar, a neat pile of thinly minced peeled fresh ginger root, a small white bowl of bright green frozen peas slightly frosted, and a few scoops of fluffy white cooked rice arranged on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients placed with perfect symmetry, natural lighting highlighting the textures and colors, 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 (90/10): Lean enough to cook nicely without too much grease, but still juicy and tender.
Fresh Ginger: The star of the show—adds a fresh aromatic zing that cuts through the meatiness.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Gives rich umami and saltiness; tamari works great if you want it gluten-free.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, helping the sauce caramelize slightly during cooking.
Frozen Peas: A quick, vibrant veggie addition that adds color, texture, and a sweet pop.
Water: Helps create a little sauce and keeps the beef moist as it cooks.

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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

One of my favorite things about the Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is its versatility. I often switch up the veggies depending on what’s in my fridge or add a few twists based on my mood. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it your own!

Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for more crunch and color.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it a little fiery.
Switch the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well if beef isn’t your thing.
Grain Swap: Try it over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb or nutrient-packed alternative.

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

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a thick layer of cooked ground meat that is dark brown and crumbly, mixed with bright green peas scattered evenly across the top. A metal spoon is partially inside the bowl on the right side, and the bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a piece of blue and white checkered cloth at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Start with a Hot Skillet and Fresh Ingredients

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding anything — this helps the beef brown nicely instead of steaming. Once hot, add the ground beef, soy sauce, a splash of water (¼ cup), brown sugar, and the freshly minced ginger. Break the beef up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to get nice, small crumbles throughout.

Step 2: Cook Until Perfectly Browned

Give it about 8 minutes. You want the beef to lose that raw pink look and start getting a little caramelized around the edges. Stir often so it cooks evenly and the ginger can infuse all those tasty juices.

Step 3: Stir in the Peas and Finish Cooking

Next, toss in your frozen peas. They’ll thaw and cook quickly, adding a lovely pop of sweetness and freshness. Keep cooking and stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and gives you a juicy but not soupy dish.

Step 4: Serve It Up

I love serving this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe over a bed of steaming white or brown rice—it soaks up all the flavor beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, some lightly steamed broccoli or pickled vegetables make fantastic sides too.

Top Tip

When I first made this recipe, I learned that fresh ginger really makes all the difference. Using pre-minced or powdered ginger just doesn’t bring the brightness I want. Also, don’t rush the browning step—it adds depth and flavor you’ll notice in every bite.

Fresh Ginger: Mince it finely or even grate it with a microplane for the best release of flavor and aroma.
Don’t Skip Browning: Use a hot pan and let the beef sit for a moment before stirring to get that lovely caramelization.
Watch the Liquid: If it looks too watery after adding the water and soy sauce, just cook a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
Keep It Moving: Stir frequently once the peas are in to avoid burning and keep everything evenly cooked.

How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped green onions or a little toasted sesame seeds right on top just before serving. It adds a fresh, crunchy contrast and an extra layer of flavor I can’t get enough of. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end can also amp up the nuttiness beautifully.

Side Dishes

One of my go-to sides is simple steamed bok choy or snap peas — quick to prepare and keeps the meal feeling light. Sometimes, I like sticky jasmine rice or even serve it with a side of kimchi for a tangy contrast that brightens your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I’ve served this stir-fry in little lettuce cups for a fun hand-held option. It makes the meal interactive and adds a crisp freshness that balances the rich beef. You can also pack it in a bento box with colorful veggies for a delightful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Just cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to warm through evenly without drying the beef out. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce during reheating helps keep it juicy and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and keep an eye on browning for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for fresh ginger in this recipe?

Fresh ginger really gives this dish its signature bright, fresh flavor. However, if you don't have fresh ginger, ground ginger is a possible substitute, though use it sparingly (about ¼ teaspoon) since it's more potent. The flavor won’t be quite the same but still delicious.

Is this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is typically gluten-free. Just make sure to check your soy sauce label to be certain.

Can I prepare this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the beef mixture in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well for longer storage. Just add any fresh garnishes or steamed veggies right before serving for optimum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious, warm, and quick to make. I’m always amazed at how just a few simple ingredients can create such a satisfying meal that feels a little special. I hope once you try it, it becomes one of your kitchen favorites too — easy, tasty, and cozy all at once.