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

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger, coated in a glossy soy sauce glaze for an easy weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 20 minutes blends soy sauce, brown sugar, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 4, 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: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce with 1 tbsp brown sugar until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch to lightly coat.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak slices in a single layer and sear without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Push the beef to one side and add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the empty side of the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture into the pan along with 2 tbsp water. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the beef. Toss in 3 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Glaze?

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 Glaze?

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 Glaze 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sauce Glaze gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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