Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce

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

A quick and savory ground beef stir-fry infused with garlic and soy sauce, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes blends ground beef, garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and finely mince 4 garlic cloves and thinly slice 2 green onions, separating white and green parts.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the minced garlic and white parts of the green onions; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and starting to crisp at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Garlic and Soy Sauce?

Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes