Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with fragrant garlic and ginger in a savory soy sauce glaze, ready in under 20 minutes. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 18 minutes blends vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, finely grated fresh ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 8 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and spread evenly in the pan. Let sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until beef is browned but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss to coat the beef evenly and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 sliced green onions, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 in Soy Sauce 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sauce?

Chinese 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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