Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with zucchini ribbons, fresh ginger, and garlic in a savory coconut aminos sauce. This asian-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves, coconut aminos for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 medium, cut into thin ribbons with a vegetable peeler zucchini
- 2 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2, sliced thin green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp sesame oil to the hot pan. Add 2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 3: Toss in 3 medium zucchini ribbons and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, stir-frying for 2 minutes until zucchini is just tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the pan along with 3 tbsp coconut aminos. Stir everything together and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and zucchini.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep finely grated fresh ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Garlic whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.