Spicy Asian Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
This flavorful Spicy Asian Ground Beef Stir-Fry is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, made to accommodate specific dietary needs and personal taste preferences. The combination of tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic onions creates a colorful dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Enhanced with a zesty garlic and ginger blend, this recipe adds a punch of flavor with crushed red pepper and chili paste for an extra kick. The savory sauce, made from gluten-free soy sauce, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce, coats the ingredients perfectly, making it a perfect dish for those who love saucy fare. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, it serves six generous portions and is best enjoyed over a bowl of fluffy rice. With a Weight Watchers-friendly profile, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray
as needed (to coat the skillet)
Lean ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Bell peppers
3 cups (chopped (any combination of colors))
Onion
1 large (thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 large (thinly sliced)
Fresh gingerroot
2 tablespoons (minced)
Dried parsley
2 tablespoons (to season)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (to season)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
Beef stock
1 cup
Gluten-free soy sauce
3 tablespoons
Molasses
1 tablespoon
Chili paste
1 teaspoon
Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (Lea & Perrins is GF)
Water
1/4 cup
Cornstarch
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
2
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is evenly browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the chopped bell peppers, thinly sliced onion, garlic, and minced ginger. Season with dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and mix well.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef stock, gluten-free soy sauce, molasses, chili paste, and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce until combined.
6
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
7
In another small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8
Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Asian Ground Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a flavorful dish featuring lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory, spicy sauce with Asian-inspired aromatics.
What type of beef should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy and satisfy dietary needs.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
You should cook and stir the beef for approximately 5-7 minutes or until it is evenly browned and fully cooked.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat from the skillet after the beef is fully cooked.
What vegetables are in this stir-fry?
This stir-fry includes chopped bell peppers, thinly sliced onions, garlic, and minced ginger.
How many bell peppers do I need?
You will need 3 cups of chopped bell peppers using any combination of colors.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2 large garlic cloves should be thinly sliced before being added to the skillet.
What is the amount of fresh ginger required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of minced fresh gingerroot for its signature aromatic flavor.
Is this stir-fry recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
What makes this stir-fry spicy?
The heat comes from a combination of 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of chili paste.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can easily adjust the amount of chili paste and red pepper flakes to suit your personal heat preference.
What ingredients are in the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce consists of beef stock, gluten-free soy sauce, molasses, chili paste, and gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
Why is molasses used in the sauce?
Molasses provides a rich depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory and spicy elements.
How do I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the boiling sauce.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
Sauté the bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
This Spicy Asian Ground Beef Stir-Fry is best served hot over a bowl of fluffy cooked rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve six generous portions.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is easy to prepare and quick to cook, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 1 lb of lean ground beef, this dish is a high-protein meal.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be thinly sliced for even cooking and texture.
Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh ginger?
While fresh ginger is preferred for flavor, you can use ground ginger in a smaller amount if fresh is unavailable.
What type of Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free?
The recipe notes that Lea & Perrins is a commonly available gluten-free Worcestershire sauce option.
Is this stir-fry Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes, the description states that this dish has a Weight Watchers-friendly profile.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried parsley, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Do I need a specific type of cookware?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the beef and the large volume of vegetables.
How do I start the cooking process?
Start by spraying a large skillet with cooking spray and heating it over medium heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
While bell peppers are central, you can add other stir-fry vegetables like broccoli or snap peas if desired.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a small splash of beef stock or water.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well, making it suitable for meal prep or leftovers for the next day.