Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame
A savory keto stir fry featuring tender ground beef and stir-fried eggplant in a garlicky sesame sauce. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
- 2 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten free)
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1/2 tsp, optional red chili flakes
- 3 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking and breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium eggplants cut into 1-inch cubes, stirring to coat with the garlic-ginger mixture. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until eggplant is tender and golden.
- Step 4: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes if using. Cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and eggplant.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot as a keto-friendly dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic 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 85% lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic 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 Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame 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 Eggplant and Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
