Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions
A savory and slightly sweet Korean-inspired beef stir fry loaded with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for a quick low-carb dinner. This korean-inspired beef (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, soy sauce (low sodium), sesame oil 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 beef sirloin
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups thinly sliced cabbage, 4 sliced scallions, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir fry for an additional 2 minutes until the cabbage softens but retains some crunch.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions 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 Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions 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 Low-Carb Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.