free counter with statistics Print

Garlicky Ginger Ground Beef Bowls

A cozy bowl of homemade, flavorful Garlicky Ginger Ground Beef being enjoyed with chopsticks for a casual family dinner.

An extremely fast and easy one-pan ground beef dinner, ready in about 15 minutes. This simple stir-fry features a flavorful base of freshly grated ginger and garlic, quickly cooked in a hot wok or skillet. Ground beef is then added, crumbled, and browned. The dish is finished with a simple, glossy sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce and agave or maple syrup. It’s served over cooked rice for a complete and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable)
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons grated garlic (from 6 cloves)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons agave, sugar, or maple syrup
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced Persian cucumbers
  • Sliced carrots

Instructions

  1. Before you begin, have all your ingredients prepped and ready, and start cooking your rice.
  2. Set a wok or a large heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the oil.
  3. When the oil starts to ripple, add the grated ginger and garlic. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef and salt. Use a spoon to flatten and crumble the meat into small pieces. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes, until the beef is no longer pink.
  5. Stir in the soy sauce and agave. Continue cooking for about 1 more minute until the beef darkens slightly and is coated in a glossy sauce. Do not cook so long that the liquid evaporates.
  6. Serve the ground beef mixture immediately over hot cooked rice, topped with optional garnishes.

Notes

  • This is a very fast stir-fry; it is essential to have all ingredients prepped and next to the stove before you start cooking.
  • You can use any fat percentage of ground beef you prefer. If you use a leaner cut (like 90%) and want more sauce, you can stir in 1/4 cup of water or stock at the end.
  • Grating frozen ginger (no need to peel) is an easy and safe way to prepare the fresh ginger for this recipe.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.