Uncover the Story Behind Ginger Beef at grain of rice in edmonton

Inventing Ginger Beef

Rumor has it that Ginger Beef was born in Alberta, Canada, in the 1970s, thanks to a creative Chinese couple looking for the perfect dish to pair with alcoholic drinks. After all, what goes better with drinks than beef jerky and fries?

Inspired by that idea, they crafted a dish that combined crispy deep-fried beef with a thick, caramelized sweet and sour chili ginger garlic sauce – the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and bold flavours. Originally called “Deep-Fried Shredded Beef in Chili Sauce,” the dish eventually earned the name we know today as Ginger Beef, thanks to its signature kick of ginger.

Key Ingredients

• Flank steak strips

• Light batter for crispy texture

• Sweet and savoury sauce (vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic)

• Red bell peppers and onions for extra aroma

Why is it different from traditional Chinese dishes?

In traditional Chinese cuisine, beef dishes are often:

• Stir-fried, not deep-fried

• Lightly coated in sauce rather than thick and caramelized

• Seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fermented bean pastes rather than sweet and sour flavors

• Served with rice or noodles instead of being a snackable dish

Why is ginger beef not common in China?

Ginger beef was not invented in China, but created in Calgary, Alberta in the 1970s as part of the Westernized Chinese food movement, where Chinese immigrants adapted their cooking to appeal to North American tastes. The deep-frying and sticky sweet sauce made it a perfect bar snack, unlike traditional Chinese beef dishes that normally focus on umami and natural flavours.

Evolution of Westernized Chinese Food in Canada

Ginger beef is part of a long tradition of Chinese-Canadian cuisine, where dishes were adapted to suit local palates and ingredients. Other examples include:

• Orange Chicken

• Lemon Chicken (battered chicken breasts with citrus glaze)

Over time, dishes like Ginger Beef have become a staple in Chinese restaurants across Canada. Today, it is one of Edmonton’s most famous dishes, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be “authentic” to be iconic!

Order now and experience the heat of ginger beef today!