Introduction
This savory stir fry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring ground beef and a medley of colorful vegetables. The sauce, a harmonious mix of soy sauce, honey, and spices, elevates the dish, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sauce:
– ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– ¼ cup water
– 2 tablespoons Mirin sweet cooking rice wine
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic
– 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Stir Fry:
– 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7%)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil
– ¾ cup fresh broccoli florets
– ¾ cup large diced sweet yellow onion (e.g., Vidalia)
– ¾ cup large diced red bell pepper, seeds removed
– ½ cup sugar snap peas, cut in half diagonally
– ½ cup carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch rounds
– ½ cup sliced button mushrooms
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, Mirin, honey, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains, breaking it into larger chunks.
Drain the Beef
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Remove any remaining fat from the skillet without cleaning it.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add peanut oil, followed by broccoli, onion, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Combine and Finish
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat; the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Spice Level
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; omit entirely for a milder dish.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fry pairs well with cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Sauce
Whisking together wet ingredients like soy sauce, water, Mirin, and honey with cornstarch and aromatics helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce that will thicken upon cooking.
Cooking the Ground Beef
Searing ground beef in a hot skillet allows the meat to brown and develop flavor. Breaking it into larger chunks ensures even cooking and a desirable texture.
Draining the Beef
Using a slotted spoon to transfer cooked beef helps remove excess fat, which can make the dish greasy. Keeping the skillet unwashed preserves flavorful bits and juices for the next steps.
Cooking the Vegetables
Stir-frying vegetables in peanut oil at high heat allows them to cook quickly while retaining their color, crunch, and nutrients. Stirring frequently ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Combining and Finishing
Returning the beef to the skillet and adding the sauce ensures that both the meat and vegetables are coated evenly. Allowing the sauce to thicken slightly enhances its flavor and texture before serving.
FAQ
Can I substitute Mirin with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use sake mixed with a bit of sugar or a mixture of white wine and a little sugar as an alternative.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Are there alternative vegetables I can use?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or bok choy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
Conclusion
The stir-fry dish combines the robust flavors of juicy ground beef and a medley of vibrant vegetables, enhanced by a sweet and savory sauce. This quick and nourishing meal is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful option for any dinner. The balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the vegetables makes it a healthy choice for a busy weeknight.
Recipe with Chicken and Cashews
Replace the ground beef with 1 pound of diced chicken breast and add ½ cup of roasted cashews for a crunchy texture. Maintain the same sauce and vegetables for a delightful twist.
Vegetarian Option
Use 1 pound of firm tofu, cubed, in place of ground beef. For an additional boost of protein, add a cup of edamame. Use the same sauce and vegetables to create a tasty vegetarian stir-fry.
Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry
Substitute the ground beef with 1 pound of peeled shrimp. Add a touch more crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for added heat, and toss in a handful of diced jalapeños with the vegetables for an extra kick.
Beef and Pineapple Stir-Fry
Incorporate ½ cup of fresh pineapple chunks to the stir-fry to add a sweet and tangy flavor. This pairs well with the honey and soy sauce in the dish.
Quinoa Bowl Variation
Serve the stir-fry over a bed of cooked quinoa instead of rice. This adds whole grains to the meal and makes it filling and wholesome.
