Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fast stir fry combining tender ground beef with fresh spinach and garlic, finished with a savory soy glaze for a satisfying weeknight meal. This asian-inspired meal prep (high protein, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), fresh baby spinach, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the beef. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil, then add 6 cups fresh baby spinach. Toss quickly for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using, and remove from heat. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Quick Beef and Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic and Soy high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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