Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with zucchini ribbons, fresh ginger, and toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful Whole30-approved dinner. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs coconut aminos, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear the beef for 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger along with 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 medium zucchini sliced into thin ribbons and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet, pour in 3 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce coats everything.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sesame?

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 coconut aminos from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame?

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 Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, whole30, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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