Spicy Firecracker Beef Recipe
Quick, sweet-heat Firecracker Beef made with lean ground beef, garlic, ginger, and a sticky chili-soy glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights—serve over rice or in lettuce cups.
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Servings:
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef 90% lean if possible
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil vegetable or canola oil
- 4 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoon sriracha adjust to heat preference
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes use 0.5 teaspoon for milder heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
- 0.25 cup water to make a slurry with cornstarch
- 4 whole green onions, thinly sliced white and green parts separated
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted optional garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and water in a bowl until smooth; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until well browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 0.5 to 1.0 minute.
- Pour in the firecracker sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the white parts of the green onions and half of the sliced greens; taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Great over steamed rice or in lettuce cups.
Notes
For extra crispy bits, let the beef sit undisturbed for 1.0 to 2.0 minutes before stirring while browning. Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred. Use low-sodium soy to control salt.