Description
This 20 Minute Sticky Ginger Sesame Pineapple Beef is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining savory ground beef with the sweetness of fresh pineapple, aromatic ginger, and crunchy sesame seeds. Enhanced with vibrant herbs and a tangy pineapple cucumber salad, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, ideal for a speedy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (divided)
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Thai chili sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Herb Salad
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 2 cups cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics and crisp beef: Stir in the butter, chopped garlic, and pickled or fresh grated ginger. Continue cooking for 2 minutes until the butter browns and the beef develops a crispy texture.
- Incorporate vegetables and sauce: Add broccoli florets and 3/4 cup of the pineapple chunks to the skillet. Pour in the tamari (or soy sauce), Thai chili sauce, and 1-2 tablespoons of juice from the pickled ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Finish beef mixture: Mix in chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the pineapple herb salad: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup pineapple chunks with chopped cucumbers, cilantro, Thai basil, lime juice, and roasted peanuts. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over bowls of cooked rice. Top each serving generously with the pineapple herb salad. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions for added freshness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a homemade Thai chili sauce, blend red chilies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and water until smooth.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred level of heat.
- Use gluten-free tamari sauce if you require a gluten-free dish.
- Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best results.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
