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Asian Ground Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice

by
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Skill Level / Intensity Easy / Beginner-Friendly
Heat / Cooking Intensity High Heat ($375^\circ\text{F}$ – $400^\circ\text{F}$ / $190^\circ\text{C}$ – $200^\circ\text{C}$)
Yield 4 servings

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir-Fry

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g), 85% or 90% lean. Leaner beef yields less excess grease while staying tender.

  • Fresh Green Beans: 12 oz (340g), ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces.

  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.

  • Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated or finely minced.

  • Green Onions / Scallions: 3 stalk, chopped (white and green parts separated).

  • Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (to finish).

  • High-Heat Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon (avocado or canola oil).

  • Garnish: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (optional).

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup.

  • Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons.

  • Dark Brown Sugar: 1.5 tablespoons (packed).

  • Beef Broth or Water: 2 tablespoons.

  • Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: 1 teaspoon (adjust to desired spice level).

  • Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water to thicken).

For Serving

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice: 3 cups, cooked hot according to package directions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1.Whisk Sauce & Cook Rice:Duration: 5 mins | Heat Intensity: None.

Prepare your steamed Jasmine rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method so it is hot and ready when the stir-fry finishes. In a medium measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sriracha, and the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Set aside.

2.Blister the Green Beans:Duration: 4-5 mins | Heat Intensity: Medium-High.

Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large wok or high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed green beans and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a slight blister. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove green beans from the pan and set aside on a plate.

3.Brown the Ground Beef:Duration: 5-6 mins | Heat Intensity: High.

Increase heat to high. Add the ground beef to the same skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula into crumbles. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excessive fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for moisture and flavor.

4.Sauté Aromatics:Duration: 1-2 mins | Heat Intensity: Medium.

Lower heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and the whites of the green onions directly to the ground beef. Stir-fry constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.

5.Combine and Sauce:Duration: 2-3 mins | Heat Intensity: Medium-High.

Return the blistered green beans back into the skillet with the beef. Pour the whisked sauce over the mixture. Stir continuously over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and coats the beef and green beans in a glossy glaze. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil.

Pro Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

  • Prep Before Heating: Stir-frying happens fast! Have all sauce ingredients whisked and vegetables chopped before turning on the stove.

  • Use Fresh Green Beans: While frozen green beans work in a pinch, fresh green beans give that essential crisp crunch contrast against the tender ground beef.

  • Custom Spice: Adjust the Sriracha or add sliced fresh red chilies to crank up the heat, or omit it entirely for a mild, family-friendly flavor profile.

Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep

  • Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store the beef stir-fry and steamed rice in airtight containers (together or separately) in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: This dish holds up exceptionally well for weekday lunches; the flavors deepen as the sauce marinates the beef overnight.

  • Reheating: Microwave on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes, or toss back into a wok over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the meat juicy and reheat thoroughly.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

Calculated per serving (1 portion of stir-fry served over 3/4 cup steamed Jasmine rice, yields 4 total).

Nutrient Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 465 kcal —
Total Fat 16 g 21%
Saturated Fat 5 g 25%
Trans Fat 0.5 g —
Cholesterol 70 mg 23%
Sodium 680 mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 52 g 19%
Dietary Fiber 3.5 g 13%
Total Sugars 8 g —
Protein 28 g 56%
Vitamin C 18 mg 20%
Calcium 55 mg 4%
Iron 3.8 mg 21%
Potassium 510 mg 11%

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