Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I want to take you on a culinary journey to explore the magic of Ginger Beef. This classic Chinese-Canadian dish, with its crispy beef strips and tangy ginger sauce, has always been a personal favorite, and I can’t wait to share its charm with you.

A Brief History: Ginger Beef is a staple in Chinese-Canadian cuisine, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s traditionally made by deep-frying marinated beef strips and then tossing them in a tangy ginger sauce. The result is a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and truly unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Chinese Ginger Beef

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 418 kcal

Equipment

1 bowl
1 separate bowl
1 large wok
1 slotted spoon

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak sliced into thin strips

Marinade:

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ginger juice

Sauce:

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
2 tablespoons white or rice vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon hot chili oil

Batter:

1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoons hot chili oil
1/3 cup water or as needed

Other:

4 to 5 cups oil for deep frying
2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying
3 red chili peppers
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely chopped
1 carrot cut into thin strips
1 stalk celery cut into thin strips
1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips

Instructions

In a bowl, combine beef and marinade ingredients. Let sit for about 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sauce ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
To make the batter, combine the flour and cornstarch. Stir in vegetable oil and the hot chili oil. Add as much water as needed to make a smooth batter, making sure there no lumps. It should not be too heavy or too runny, but should slide off the back of a spoon.
In a large wok, heat oil to 360 °F. Dip marinated beef pieces into the batter. Add beef and deep fry in hot oil until golden brown. Remove beef from fryer using a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
Increase heat to 400 °F. Return beef to wok and deep fry a second time to make it extra crispy. Remove and drain. Clean out wok.
In the same wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add the chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until the chili peppers begin to blister. Add carrot. Stir-fry for a few seconds then add celery, and then the red bell pepper.
Push the vegetables up to the sides of the wok. Pour sauce mixture in the center of the wok. Bring to a boil then add the deep-fried beef back into the pan. Mix everything together. Remove from the heat. Stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Enhance your Ginger Beef stir-fry with a vibrant medley of vegetables. Opt for colorful bell peppers, crisp snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots. The combination of these vegetables adds a delightful crunch and a burst of colors to the dish. Stir-fry them over high heat until they are tender-crisp, retaining their freshness and vibrant hues.

Keyword Beef, Ginger

Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Ginger Beef is a culinary journey that requires attention to detail, a love for flavor, and a willingness to experiment. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years that might help you on your journey.

Choose Your Cut: The cut of beef you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well in this dish as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, flank steak could also work.
Marinate Your Beef: Marinating your beef before cooking can help tenderize it and enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch can do wonders. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
Use Fresh Ginger: The star of this dish is the ginger. Using fresh ginger will give your dish a vibrant flavor and a spicy kick. Grate the ginger for a more intense flavor, or slice it for a milder taste.
Balance Your Flavors: Ginger Beef is known for its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Make sure to balance these flavors to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a bit more ginger or chili.
Don’t Overcook Your Beef: To ensure your beef stays tender, avoid overcooking it. Stir-fry the beef just until it changes color, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can return it to the pan towards the end of cooking, just long enough for it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok for stir-frying. Its high, sloping sides and wide top allow for quick, even cooking, which is essential for stir-fry dishes.
Pair with Rice: The savory, robust flavors of Ginger Beef pair perfectly with steamed rice. The rice not only complements the flavors of the dish but also helps to soak up the delicious sauce.

Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. These tips are just guidelines – feel free to tweak them to suit your taste. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, the best dishes are made with love!

How to Serve Ginger Beef

Serving Ginger Beef is about more than just plating a dish; it’s about creating a culinary experience that delights all your senses. Here’s how you can turn a simple stir-fry into a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Choose the Right Plate: The first step in serving Ginger Beef is choosing the right plate. A large, flat plate works best as it allows room for the beef and any sides without crowding. If you have traditional Chinese plates, even better! The white color of the plate provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
Arrange Your Components: Start by placing a mound of steamed rice or noodles on one side of the plate. Then, arrange your Ginger Beef next to it. The key is to create a balance of colors and textures. The crispy, savory beef should be nestled against the bright, fresh garnishes, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Add Your Sides: On the other side of the plate, add your chosen sides. This could be anything from a small salad to some pickled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The goal is to complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
Drizzle with Sauce: If you’ve made extra sauce for your Ginger Beef, now’s the time to drizzle it over the dish. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing look.
Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the Ginger Beef. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and tangy ginger sauce.
Pair with a Drink: To complete your meal, pair your Ginger Beef with a drink. A cold Tsingtao beer or a glass of plum wine complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a hot jasmine tea or a chilled chrysanthemum tea would be a great choice.
Serve Immediately: Remember, Ginger Beef is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting meal.

Serving Ginger Beef is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about taking your taste buds on a journey. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the culinary adventure that is Ginger Beef!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for Ginger Beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just remember, the cooking time may vary.

Can I make Ginger Beef less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of ginger and chili in the dish according to your taste.

Can I substitute the ginger in Ginger Beef?

While ginger is traditional and adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with other spices like garlic or lemongrass if needed.

My love for Ginger Beef goes beyond its delicious taste. It’s about how a simple dish can bring so much joy and satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have been perfecting it for years, the charm of this dish never fades. So, here’s to many more culinary adventures!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Ginger Beef as much as I have. If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, the joy of food is best when shared.