Crispy Ginger Beef is a bold and flavorful dish featuring crispy, golden-fried beef coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy ginger-infused sauce. This homemade version of the popular takeout favorite is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and flavorful – Lightly battered beef fried to golden perfection.
Bold ginger sauce – A sweet and tangy glaze with a hint of heat.
Quick and easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, faster than takeout.
Perfect with rice or noodles – A great pairing for a complete meal.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add vegetables for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
¼ cup cornstarch
1 egg, beaten
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 teaspoon water)

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, coat the sliced beef with cornstarch, then mix in the beaten egg, salt, and black pepper.
Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the beef in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Coat the Beef: Return the crispy beef to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicier Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Vegetable Stir-Fry – Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added crunch.
Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.
Gluten-Free Adaptation – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the cornstarch-coated beef at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for crispy ginger beef?

Flank steak works best due to its tenderness, but sirloin or skirt steak are good alternatives.

How do I keep the beef crispy?

Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan and toss in the sauce just before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, fry the beef and store separately from the sauce. Reheat and toss together before serving.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a milder version.

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

Yes, but it won’t have the same crispy texture. Cook the ground beef and mix with the sauce for a different take.

What’s the difference between ginger beef and Mongolian beef?

Ginger beef has a crispy texture with a bold, ginger-forward sauce, while Mongolian beef is stir-fried with a soy-based sauce and softer texture.

Can I air-fry the beef instead of frying it in oil?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.

What sides go well with crispy ginger beef?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, lo mein, or stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly.

Can I double the sauce for extra flavor?

Absolutely! If you like more sauce, double the ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the beef with crispy tofu or seitan and follow the same cooking method.

Conclusion

This Crispy Ginger Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, easy, and restaurant-worthy dish that balances sweetness, savory flavors, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy nights, this homemade takeout favorite will become a go-to meal in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite!

Easy Crispy Ginger Beef Stir-Fry

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A crispy, sweet, and savory beef stir-fry coated in a bold ginger-infused sauce—better than takeout!

Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
- In a bowl, coat the sliced beef with cornstarch, then mix in the beaten egg, salt, and black pepper.
Fry Until Crispy:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the beef in batches until crispy and golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
- Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

Coat the Beef & Serve:
- Return the crispy beef to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double fry the beef by refrying for 1-2 minutes after the first fry.
Prefer a milder flavor? Reduce the ginger or omit red pepper flakes.

Air-fryer option: Cook coated beef at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Stir-Fry
Method: Frying, Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Canadian-Chinese