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)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory stir-fry that’s also quick and packed with flavor. This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe hits all those marks perfectly — it’s simple, fragrant with fresh ginger, and has a great balance of salty and sweet that keeps me coming back to it time and again.

A bowl with two layers is shown, the bottom layer is fluffy white rice with a soft, slightly sticky texture, covering the whole base of the bowl. On top, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat, brown in color with a coarse and crumbly texture, mixed evenly with bright green peas that add a fresh pop of color. The bowl is white, and the whole setup is on a white marbled surface. The 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 honestly didn’t expect a ground beef stir-fry to become one of my go-tos until I tried this gingery version. It’s incredibly versatile and comes together so quickly that it feels like cheating on busy weeknights. Plus, you get that delightful punch of fresh ginger that just perks up every bite!

Super Quick and Easy: You’re looking at about 25 minutes to a delicious, full-flavored meal.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger makes it sweet, savory, and zesty all at once.
Family-Friendly: Even the kids love it—simple, not too spicy, but still interesting.
Versatile Base: You can easily add veggies or swap out beef for ground turkey or pork.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a clear role in delivering that well-rounded taste and texture. Getting quality soy sauce and fresh ginger makes a huge difference here. Let me walk you through the essentials and what to keep in mind when you shop.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh 90/10 ground beef, a small white bowl of dark low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl filled with finely minced peeled fresh ginger, a small white bowl of vibrant green frozen peas, and a small white bowl of plain cooked white rice, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 use 90/10 for a good balance of flavor and just enough fat to keep things juicy without excess grease.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Opt for low sodium so you can control saltiness perfectly and avoid an overly salty dish.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and sharp ginger notes.
Fresh Ginger: This is the star! Minced fresh ginger brings a wonderful zing and warmth—you can't substitute dry ginger here.
Frozen Peas: I love how quickly they cook and add a pop of color and subtle sweetness without any fuss.
Water: Helps create a little sauce and keeps the beef moist during cooking.
Cooked Rice: Optional but highly recommended as the perfect bed for soaking up all those savory juices.

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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 brilliant foundation for your culinary creativity. I’ve tried some twists that really elevated it, and I encourage you to make it your own too.

Variation: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots with the peas for extra texture and nutrition — it’s a nice change that keeps the stir-fry vibrant.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos work wonderfully as a substitute for soy sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you want some heat.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken work great here if you prefer leaner meats.

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

The dish is served in a white bowl with a light brown rim and placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of a large helping of white rice, with soft and slightly fluffy grain texture. On top, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat, brown in color with small crumbles. Scattered evenly among the meat are bright green peas, adding color contrast and texture. A silver spoon is resting on the right side of the bowl, partially buried in the rice and meat mixture. A dark gray cloth with a white check pattern is placed near the bottom left of the bowl. The overall setting feels fresh and inviting, showing a simple comforting meal photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Beef with Ginger and Sauces

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and freshly minced ginger. As soon as the beef hits the pan, use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Keep stirring and breaking it up so it evenly browns and soaks up the ginger-soy sauce mix. This should take about 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is browned but still juicy.

Step 2: Stir in Peas and Let It All Come Together

Next, toss in the frozen peas straight from the bag. Stir to combine, then let everything cook for an additional 5 minutes or so until most of the liquid has steamed off and the peas are tender. Keep an eye on the pan to prevent sticking—just a quick stir every now and then will keep things perfect.

Step 3: Serve Hot Over Rice

I love scooping this ginger-infused beef over fluffy steamed rice—it’s the ultimate comfort combo. If you want to keep it low-carb, you could also try cauliflower rice or a simple bed of sautéed greens.

Top Tip

Making this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe a few times taught me a few tricks that really elevate the final dish. These can save you time and keep the flavors bright every single time you make it.

Don’t Skip Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger powder can’t replicate the punch and brightness fresh ginger brings—it’s worth the extra minute to mince it yourself.
Break Up the Meat Early: Start breaking the beef apart the moment it hits the pan; this prevents clumps and helps brown everything evenly.
Control Your Saltiness: Go easy on soy sauce at first; you can always add more later but it’s hard to fix a too-salty dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is small, cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.

How to Serve Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top—it adds freshness and a bit of crunch that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I squeeze a little lime juice over everything for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to, but I also enjoy pairing it with simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. A light cucumber salad on the side cools things down and balances the ginger’s kick nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe inside lettuce cups, letting everyone build their own wraps with crunchy veggies and herbs. It’s interactive and feels a bit fancy without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes well, which is great for meal prep. Just cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the mixture seems dry. This prevents the beef from drying out and keeps everything moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives—just watch your cooking time as they might cook a bit faster. Adjust seasoning to taste since they’re milder than beef.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger on hand?

Fresh ginger really brings a unique zing that ground ginger powders can’t fully replicate, but in a pinch, you can use about half the amount of ground ginger. Just keep in mind the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Can I prepare this stir-fry recipe in advance?

Yes! You can cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, reheat gently on the stove to keep it juicy and flavorful.

What are the best side dishes to serve with this Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?

Serving it over steamed rice is classic and comforting. For variety, try sautéed bok choy, simple stir-fried snap peas, or a crunchy cucumber salad for freshness. These balance the rich beef nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Ginger Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has become such a staple for me because it combines simplicity with big flavor. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner for your family or a quick solo lunch, it always delivers. I hope you’ll try it out soon and find that same cozy satisfaction I get every time I make it. Trust me, it’s one you’ll want on repeat.