Simple and Savory Maple Ginger Beef Recipe

Juicy Maple Ginger Beef: A Sweet & Savory Dinner Delight

Maple ginger beef is a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors from North American and Asian food traditions.

This dish features tender beef combined with the bold tastes of maple syrup and ginger.

People who cook at home and those who cook professionally enjoy how these ingredients create something special.

The recipe turns regular beef into a flavorful meal that pleases anyone’s taste buds.

Mixing different cooking styles has led to exciting new dishes that push flavor boundaries in fun ways.

Each ingredient plays its part to deliver a satisfying and delicious experience for everyone who tries it.

Why Maple Ginger Beef Is Worth Making

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this Maple Ginger Beef in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor Explosion: Blend sweet maple syrup with spicy ginger and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible taste combination that will tantalize your taste buds and break the monotony of regular beef dishes.
  • Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Achieve professional-level cooking with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making you feel like a gourmet chef without complex culinary skills or expensive equipment.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit everyone's heat preference, ensuring this dish works for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

What’s Needed For Maple Ginger Beef

Main Protein:
  • Beef Steak: A tender cut that soaks up the delicious maple ginger sauce and provides a hearty main protein for the dish.
Coating and Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a flavorful and crispy coating for the beef while helping to thicken the sauce. Choose cornstarch for a light, crisp texture.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce base.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings a classic umami and salty flavor to the dish.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a complex, tangy undertone to the sauce.
  • Maple Syrup: Offers a sweet and rich flavor that balances the savory elements.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fresh ingredients that add bold, aromatic flavors and warmth to the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spicy kick.
Cooking Medium:
  • Canola Oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking and creating a good sear on the beef.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Rice, Noodles: Ideal base for serving the maple ginger beef, soaking up the delicious sauce.

How To Get Maple Ginger Beef Just Right

How To Get Maple Ginger Beef Just Right

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over high heat and add canola oil.

Step 2: Coat the Beef

Mix in a bowl:
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss sliced steak in the mixture until completely covered.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Cook steak in the hot skillet over medium-high heat, flipping once, until nicely browned. Work in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure perfect searing.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Beef broth
  • Soy sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Maple syrup
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Additional cornstarch

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour sauce into skillet with beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Final Flavor Tuning

Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more spice or sweetness as your palate desires.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steaming hot rice or noodles for a delicious meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Helpful Tips For Maple Ginger Beef

  • Prevent Meat Overcrowding: Cook beef in batches to ensure each piece browns evenly and develops a perfect caramelized exterior without steaming.
  • Balance Cornstarch Coating: Evenly dust steak slices with cornstarch mixture to create a light, crispy texture that helps seal in juices and thicken the sauce.
  • Control Heat Levels: Use high heat for initial searing and medium-high for cooking to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the meat.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding more for a fiery kick or reducing for a milder flavor profile.
  • Enhance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly into liquid ingredients to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the beef.

How To Store Maple Ginger Beef Easily

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Maple Ginger Beef in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Seal beef in freezer-safe containers or bags, maintaining quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Skillet: Warm beef over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying and restore moisture.
  • Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain tenderness.

Top Sides For Maple Ginger Beef

  • Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich beef flavors and stand up to the maple-ginger sauce's complexity.
  • Enhance with Crisp Asian Slaw: Create a tangy cabbage and carrot slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil to cut through the meat's richness and provide refreshing contrast.
  • Serve with Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Select jasmine rice to absorb the savory sauce and provide a delicate, aromatic base that balances the dish's intense flavors.
  • Add Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickle cucumber or radish slices in rice vinegar to introduce bright, acidic notes that cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty beef.

Change Things Up In Maple Ginger Beef

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari sauce and use certified gluten-free cornstarch to maintain the same flavor profile while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and cutting into thin strips before coating and cooking in the same seasoning mixture for a plant-based protein option.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and reduced-sodium soy sauce, then add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost flavor without increasing salt content.
  • Spicy Asian Kick: Increase red pepper flakes and add sriracha or chili oil for extra heat, creating a more intense and fiery version of the original maple ginger beef recipe.

Maple Ginger Beef: Your Questions Covered

  • Why use cornstarch in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior on the beef and thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy, restaurant-quality texture and helping the seasonings stick to the meat.

  • Can I substitute maple syrup?

While maple syrup provides a unique flavor, you can use honey or brown sugar as alternatives, though the taste will slightly differ from the original recipe.

  • How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them completely. For more heat, increase the amount or add additional hot sauce.

  • What type of beef cut works best?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly. Slice the meat against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.

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Simple and Savory Maple Ginger Beef Recipe

Simple and Savory Maple Ginger Beef Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Maple ginger beef delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy Canadian-inspired flavors. Rich Canadian maple syrup and zesty ginger create a mouthwatering glaze that elevates tender beef to a culinary masterpiece you’ll savor with delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) sirloin steak, sliced very thin
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup

Starch and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat a spacious cast-iron skillet to an intense temperature, then introduce a thin layer of canola oil across the surface.
  2. Create a seasoning blend by combining cornstarch with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, thoroughly coating each strip of beef to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  3. Sear the seasoned beef strips in the scorching skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich caramelized exterior without overcrowding the cooking surface, working in strategic batches if necessary.
  4. Prepare a vibrant sauce by whisking together beef broth, umami-rich soy sauce, tangy Worcestershire sauce, golden maple syrup, minced garlic, zingy ginger, and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes, incorporating the remaining cornstarch to create a smooth emulsion.
  5. Pour the aromatic sauce into the skillet with the seared beef, allowing the liquid to simmer and transform into a glossy, clingy glaze that envelops each meat fragment.
  6. Sample the dish, fine-tuning the flavor profile by adjusting the seasoning, heat intensity, or sweetness to achieve a harmonious balance.
  7. Transfer the glistening maple ginger beef immediately onto a bed of steaming rice or tender noodles, ensuring the dish is served piping hot for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

  • Optimize steak tenderness by slicing against the grain, ensuring each bite remains juicy and easily chewable.
  • Prevent sauce from becoming too thick by adding a splash of water or broth if it reduces too quickly during cooking.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild alternatives like paprika for sensitive palates.
  • Enhance flavor profile by marinating sliced beef in sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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