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; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger; 1 cup frozen peas; cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Nothing beats the comforting sizzle and aroma of a quick stir-fry, especially when you have something like this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe on your plate. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute lunch that still feels special.

The dish shows two main layers on a white plate with a light brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white cooked rice, soft and fluffy with visible grains clumped together. On top is a layer of cooked ground meat, brown in color with a crumbly texture, mixed evenly with bright green peas that add a pop of color. The meat and peas layer is spread thickly and covers most of the rice beneath. 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 that feels effortless but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it, the fresh ginger gave the dish such a bright kick. It quickly became a staple because it’s juicy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully savory all at once.

Super Fast to Make: From fridge to table in about 25 minutes, making it ideal when you’re short on time but want great flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry—no complicated veggie chopping or tricky sauces.
Versatile and Customizable: Swap out peas for your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.
Comforting and Filling: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, and the ginger adds a lovely warmth that's both soothing and satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is chosen to create a balance of salty, sweet, and warming flavors that sing together. The ginger is the star, bringing that fresh zing, while soy sauce and brown sugar build a simple but rich sauce.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef in a simple mound, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl filled with thin minced fresh ginger root, a small white bowl of bright green frozen peas still slightly frosty, one whole brown egg with clean shell, 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 beef because it balances juiciness without too much grease.
Soy sauce or tamari: Low sodium is best here to control the saltiness, and tamari works well if you want to avoid gluten.
Brown sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness that softens the ginger’s sharpness.
Fresh ginger: Freshly minced ginger is a must—it makes all the difference, giving the dish its characteristic bright, peppery kick.
Frozen peas: I usually toss these in frozen which saves prep time, and they add a sweet pop of texture.
Water: Just a splash helps create a bit of simmering liquid so the flavors meld nicely.
Cooked rice (optional): Best served piping hot—rice is the perfect blank canvas to soak up every bit of savory sauce.

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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 the things I love about this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Feel free to swap peas for bell peppers or carrots, or turn up the heat with some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

Variation: Sometimes, I stir in chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cashews at the end for crunch and a fresh flavor twist.
Lower Carb: For a keto-friendly version, skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage sautéed lightly.
Vegetarian Swap: Try using sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu instead of beef for a plant-based alternative that still carries great texture.

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

The dish shows a round white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is white cooked rice, and the top layer is brown cooked ground meat mixed with green peas scattered evenly across. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, partially buried in the rice and meat mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth napkin folded beside it on the lower left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the beef and ginger mixture

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef along with the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and minced ginger. Breaking the beef up with a wooden spoon is key here to get fine, crumbly pieces—a little like soboro. The ginger will fill your kitchen with that amazing fresh spice aroma pretty quickly. Cook for about 8 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and the liquid starts reducing. Resist the urge to stir constantly—letting the beef brown properly adds depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add peas and finish cooking

Once your beef has a beautiful caramelized color, toss in the frozen peas. They’ll thaw and heat through as the last bit of liquid evaporates. This usually takes around 5 more minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the pan, but keep it gentle—you want the peas to keep their shape and sweetness. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks glossy and the sauce is nicely thickened.

Step 3: Plate and enjoy

This might be the simplest step: spoon your fragrant beef and peas over a bowl of hot steamed rice or enjoy it as is if you’re skipping the carbs. I like to sprinkle a few sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for a little extra flair.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe even better and easier to pull off consistently.

Fresh Ginger is Non-negotiable: Using pre-minced or powdered ginger just doesn’t deliver the same vibrant flavor. Freshly grated ginger brightens the whole dish.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet is too small, the beef will steam instead of brown. Use a large pan and cook in batches if necessary for the best texture.
Brown Sugar Balance: Taste as you go—you want just enough sweetness to complement but not overpower the dish. Adjust based on your soy sauce’s saltiness.
Let It Rest Before Serving: If you can, let the stir-fry sit off the heat for a few minutes to let flavors settle and thicken slightly before plating.

How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this stir-fry with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little texture and color. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty fragrance that ties everything together. If you like heat, a few red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili work wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs brilliantly with simple steamed jasmine or brown rice, but I’m also a fan of serving it alongside quick pickled cucumbers or a crunchy Asian-style slaw to add freshness and contrast. For a heartier meal, some steamed bok choy or sautéed greens are delicious partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in lettuce cups to make it handheld and light—a great option for casual dinners or parties. I've also tried mixing it into noodle bowls with fresh herbs and a splash of lime juice for bright, bold flavors that everyone enjoyed. It’s surprisingly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day lunch even better. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

I've frozen portions of this ground beef stir-fry a couple of times with great results. Pack it without rice in freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The ginger flavor holds up well, though peas can get a bit softer after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Adding a tiny splash of water or soy sauce as you reheat helps revive the moisture and flavor. Avoid the microwave if you can, especially for larger portions, to keep the texture spot-on.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives. Just be sure to watch cooking times as they tend to dry out faster than beef, and consider adding a bit more soy sauce or moisture to keep it juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, provided you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free soy sauce substitute that maintains the authentic salty flavor without the gluten.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can cook the ground beef mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to two days before serving. Just reheat thoroughly before serving, and add fresh peas or veggies if you want to keep it lively.

What can I serve instead of rice?

Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb substitute, and so are noodles like udon or soba for a more filling meal. Even a simple side of steamed greens pairs well to balance the savory beef.

Final Thoughts

For me, this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those trusty dishes that never disappoints. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug after a long day. I genuinely enjoy sharing it because it shows you don’t need fancy ingredients or loads of time to create something comforting and delicious. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do!