All-Purpose Savory Ground Beef Stir-fry
All-Purpose Savory Ground Beef Stir-fry
Mastering the Versatile Beef Stir-fry: A Must-Have for Kids’ Meals and Beyond!
This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a magical ingredient that transforms any meal into a delicious feast with just a spoonful! Introducing the incredibly versatile beef stir-fry, your perfect companion for cozy days at home. Make a generous batch, portion it into 200g servings, and freeze for a pantry staple that provides ultimate convenience. It’s a game-changer for busy parents and a culinary secret weapon for anyone looking to elevate their cooking!
Ingredients- 200g Ground Beef (use coarsely ground beef if you prefer a chewier texture)
- 3.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine)
- 6 Tbsp Apple Juice (reduce sugar if using sweetened apple juice)
- 1 White part of a Green Onion, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.2 Tbsp Minced Ginger (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar (adjust if using apple juice)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the flavorful marinade by combining all the ingredients according to the recipe’s measurements. If you’re using store-bought apple juice instead of pure apple juice, remember that it often contains added sugar. To maintain a balanced flavor, it’s best to slightly reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and taste as you go.
Step 2
It’s crucial to rinse the ground beef under cold running water for about 30 minutes to remove any excess blood. This step is key to eliminating any gamey odors and ensuring a clean, delicious flavor. If you enjoy a bit more texture in your dishes, feel free to substitute the ground beef with coarsely chopped beef.
Step 3
After thoroughly draining the beef, place it in a sieve to remove any remaining moisture. Once the beef is dry, transfer it to a bowl and mix it well with the prepared marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least half a day to a full day. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a richer taste.
Step 4
Now it’s time to stir-fry! Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated ground beef to the pan, spreading it out evenly so it doesn’t clump together.
Step 5
Resist the urge to stir-fry immediately. Instead, let the beef cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the juices begin to release and naturally reduce. This process concentrates the beef’s delicious flavor and prevents it from becoming dry.
Step 6
Once the liquid in the pan has significantly reduced and you can barely see any moisture pooling at the bottom, increase the heat to high. Continue to stir-fry until all the liquid has evaporated and the beef is nicely browned and slightly crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when it develops a deep color and a glossy sheen.
Step 7
This all-purpose beef stir-fry is designed to be an ‘enhancer’ for your dishes rather than a standalone side. Therefore, a slightly salty flavor is intended, as it adds savory depth to other foods. Store the cooked stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This recipe yields enough to prepare approximately five meals for two young children.
Step 8
The possibilities are endless with this versatile beef stir-fry! Use it as a filling for onigiri (rice balls), kimbap (seaweed rice rolls), or fried rice. It’s also fantastic in Inarizushi (stuffed tofu pockets), ssam (lettuce wraps), donburi (rice bowls), bibimbap (mixed rice), or even as a pizza topping or on toast for a quick meal. You can even add a spoonful to your vegetable stir-fries or seasoned greens for an extra layer of flavor!
Step 9
On busy mornings, simply mixing this savory beef stir-fry with plain rice creates a delicious and nutritious meal without needing any other side dishes. Enjoy this wonderfully convenient and flavorful addition to your cooking! 🙂
