Easy Ginger Beef Stir Fry
A flavorful Easy Ginger Beef Stir Fry made with tender sirloin, fresh ginger, scallions, chilies, and a honey-soy marinade, quickly cooked over high heat for a fast, aromatic meal.
4 Servings
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For the Beef and Stir Fry
- 1 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-pound top sirloin steak
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil preferably peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon dark toasted sesame oil optional
- 3 to 4 green onions cut on a diagonal, 1/2 inch apart, including the greens
- 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 to 3 red serrano chilies seeded and sliced
- 1- inch knob of fresh ginger peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
- 1/2 cup loosely packed chopped cilantro
Instructions
Chill and Slice the Steak
- Place the steak in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm it for easier slicing. Remove the steak and slice it crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces, then cut each piece lengthwise into thin strips.
Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, chili flakes, and cumin. Add the sliced beef and ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. Set aside.
Brown the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil (and sesame oil, if using) in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat until nearly smoking. Pat the beef dry to promote browning. Working in small batches, sauté the beef for up to 1 minute, just until browned on the outside but still rare inside. Transfer to a separate bowl.
Stir Fry the Aromatics
- Add the sliced chilies and garlic to the hot pan and stir fry for 30 to 45 seconds. Add the matchstick ginger and cook an additional 30 to 45 seconds, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrance.
Combine the Beef and Sauce
- Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the cornstarch slurry and sliced green onions. Stir to coat all ingredients evenly and cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Finish and Serve
- Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed white rice.
Notes
To prepare this Easy Ginger Beef Stir Fry as a gluten-free dish:
- Use gluten-free soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos in the marinade.
- Confirm that the rice vinegar, chili flakes, and cornstarch are certified gluten-free, as some brands may include additives.
- Ensure that the wok or pan and utensils have no gluten cross-contamination.
- Serve with gluten-free rice or gluten-free noodles.