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Savory Chinese Green Beans and Ground Beef Stir-Fry

chinese green beans and ground beef stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy stir-fry featuring crisp-tender green beans and hearty ground beef tossed in a savory Chinese-inspired sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances bold flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse and trim 1 pound fresh green beans, then cut them in half crosswise. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add 1 pound ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the browned beef. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the prepared green beans and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add 1/4 cup water or beef broth, cover the pan, and steam the beans for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Remove the lid and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and beans. Toss to combine and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything.
  7. Turn off heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Stir gently and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to keep green beans crisp. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or simmering longer. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and check oyster sauce labels or omit it.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, ground beef, stir-fry, Chinese recipe, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, savory, umami, healthy stir-fry