Name: Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 to 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil); 1 lb. lean ground beef; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1 lb. zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced into half moons; 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup); 3 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 2 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 Tbsp. fish sauce; 1 Tbsp. Gochujang (or sriracha); 1 cup torn fresh basil leaves; Cooked long-grain white rice (such as jasmine rice) or grain of choice; Bibb lettuce cups to make lettuce wraps

Nothing beats a quick skillet dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and a touch of heat — that’s exactly what you get with this Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a simple, vibrant dish that packs a punch with the zing of ginger and the sweet warmth of basil, all marrying perfectly with tender ground beef and crisp zucchini.

The image shows a white pot filled with a cooked mix of ground beef, sliced green zucchini, small pieces of cooked onion, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. The ground beef is brown and crumbly, mixed evenly with the bright green zucchini slices that have a light yellow center. The cooked onion pieces are small and translucent, adding texture throughout. Fresh basil leaves with smooth edges and a rich green color are placed mainly around the top layer of the dish. A wooden spoon with a round hole in the handle is partly submerged in the mixture, resting on the right side of the pot. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry has become one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s flavorful without fuss and cooks up in under 30 minutes. The combination of ginger and basil makes it feel fresh and inspired, turning everyday ingredients into something special that I’m excited to share with you.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want a tasty meal fast.
Fresh and Flavorful: The zing of fresh ginger paired with fragrant basil brings a lively, delicious aroma and taste.
Flexible Serving Options: Serve over rice, quinoa, or turn it into wraps with lettuce—whatever suits your mood.
Healthy Ingredients: Lean beef and zucchini make this a balanced, satisfying dish without being heavy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients teaming up in this stir-fry each play a crucial role. Zucchini soaks up flavors while adding a light, fresh crunch, and the basil lends a sweet herbal note that balances the ginger’s heat. Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best results—and you’ll notice the difference.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small pile of glossy green zucchini half-moons, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh ginger, three plump garlic cloves, a medium shallot finely chopped on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, another small white ceramic bowl containing clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber fish sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red gochujang paste, a handful of torn bright green fresh basil leaves, and a small cluster of whole Bibb lettuce leaves arranged neatly, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil (or avocado oil): Great for high-heat cooking, it adds subtle richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
Lean ground beef: Quick to cook and packed with protein; choosing lean keeps the dish lighter.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential basics to season the beef and veggies evenly.
Zucchini: Halved and sliced thin for quick cooking and a tender bite.
Shallot: Adds a delicate sweetness and depth compared to regular onions.
Fresh ginger: The star that gives the dish its vibrant kick; freshly minced works best.
Garlic cloves: Classic aromatic that complements the ginger and beef perfectly.
Soy sauce or tamari (lower sodium): Provides salty umami—go low sodium to keep control of saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances richness.
Fish sauce: A secret layer of umami that’s subtle but important.
Gochujang (or sriracha): For a spicy, slightly sweet heat that enlivens the whole dish.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn in at the end for that fresh, aromatic finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about the Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the spice level or add a splash of coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter twist. Feel free to adapt it to your taste buds and pantry staples.

Variation: I’ve swapped ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want a leaner version – it works great and stays juicy.
Vegetarian option: Try replacing the beef with firm tofu and double the garlic and ginger for a punchy meat-free dinner.
Seasonal switch: In the winter, I add chopped bell peppers or snap peas to boost freshness and texture.
Heat adjustments: Start with less Gochujang if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more to taste at the end.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe

A brown bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is white rice with soft, separate grains, and the top layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and sliced green zucchini pieces, both browned and seasoned, with pieces of onion and small basil leaves scattered around. On the right edge of the bowl, there is a green lime wedge with red chili flakes on it. A white and gold spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a glass of yellow drink nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef Like a Boss

Heat 1 tablespoon of your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef—season lightly with salt and pepper—and then use your spatula to press it into the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes so it forms a tasty crust. Resist the urge to stir too soon! Once browned underneath, stir and keep cooking until no longer pink, about 2-3 more minutes. Transfer the beef to a bowl and lower the heat to medium.

Step 2: Sauté Zucchini and Aromatics

Add another tablespoon or two of oil to the skillet along with the zucchini. Let the zucchini cook mostly undisturbed for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so it can brown but not turn soggy. Then stir in the shallot, ginger, and garlic, cooking about 2 minutes until everything smells irresistibly fragrant.

Step 3: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

While the veggies cook, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and Gochujang in a small bowl. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir constantly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce reduces to a glossy glaze that clings to each bite. Turn off the heat, toss in the fresh torn basil leaves, and stir once more before serving.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these little pointers have helped me get this Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe consistently delicious every time. I hope they make your cooking easier and tastier too!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef and zucchini in batches if needed to ensure a good sear instead of steaming.
Fresh Ginger is Key: Freshly minced ginger gives you that bright, sharp flavor that powder just can’t replicate.
Add Basil at the End: Tossing in basil just off heat keeps its vibrant color and fresh taste intact.
Adjust Heat to Taste: Start with a small amount of Gochujang and taste as you go—once it’s in, there’s no taking it out!

How to Serve Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this stir-fry with a handful of extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions for an extra pop of freshness and crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, toasted sesame seeds add a toasty nuttiness that’s pretty addictive.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is jasmine rice to soak up all that luscious sauce, but I’ve also enjoyed it over cauliflower rice or fluffy quinoa to keep it lighter. For a fun twist, serve it with crispy Bibb lettuce cups—makes it feel like a party!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this stir-fry in individual lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for contrast. It feels fresh, vibrant, and a little bit fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

Freezing leftovers has worked fine for me—just pop them into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

I prefer reheating this dish gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out the beef and zucchini. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps distribute heat evenly and keeps the sauce glossy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of meat for this Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed and season accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies ahead, then cook everything quickly when ready. Leftovers store well for a few days in the fridge.

What can I serve this Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe with?

It’s delicious over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or wrapped inside Bibb lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad you’re considering making this Ginger Basil Beef Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels bright, filling, and just right after a busy day. Cooking it has become a comforting ritual for me, and I hope you’ll enjoy the fresh flavors and easy steps as much as I do—maybe even making it a staple in your own kitchen rotation.