The ingredients of ginger beef can depend on where it is featured, but the Albertan version generally consists of deep fried strips of beef coated in a dark sweet sauce that is reminiscent of other Asian sauces based on vinegar and sugar.

It also contains flavors of ginger, garlic, and hot peppers, and is commonly served with a small amount of julienned carrots and onions in the sauce.

[1] Ginger beef is derived from the original Geung Ngao Yuk (Chinese: 薑牛肉) dish.

However, the most widely accepted origin attributes the dish's development during the mid-1970s by chef George Wong at the Silver Inn in Calgary, Alberta.

[7] In September 2022, the Silver Inn announced it would permanently close after serving the community for 45 years.