Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas
Quick and flavorful beef stir fry featuring tender strips of beef, crisp snow peas, and a ginger-sesame sauce that brightens the dish. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs sesame oil, finely 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cups trimmed snow peas
- 2 sliced thinly scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp optional red chili flakes
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 cups trimmed snow peas. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until peas are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 4: Return beef to the pan along with 1 tsp cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and toss to coat. Cook for 1 more minute until sauce thickens and clings to beef and vegetables.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas?
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 Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas 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.
What goes well with Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas?
Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.