Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger

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

Tender strips of beef flash-cooked with aromatic garlic and ginger create a fast, savory stir-fry perfect for weeknight dinners. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 16 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, fresh ginger, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and spread out in a single layer. Let sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until beef is browned but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss to coat the beef evenly and cook for 1 more minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced scallions, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger 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.

What goes well with Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger?

Asian stir fry 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.

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