Description
Healthy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry in 5 Minutes is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. This underrated stir-fry combines lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, and flavorful seasonings, ready in just 5 minutes. Ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking a protein-packed vegetable dish, it offers a balanced and easy-to-make dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin strips or rounds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by slicing your zucchini into thin strips or rounds and mincing your garlic and ginger. Measure out your soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. Having everything ready ensures the stir-fry process is swift and smooth.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of sesame oil or olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly. Cook for 2 minutes, just enough for the zucchini to soften slightly and retain some crunch.
- Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute to let the flavors meld. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more variety.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness levels.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg