Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions
A fast and flavorful stir-fry showcasing tender strips of beef with fresh ginger and scallions in a savory soy sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired lamb ready in about 25 minutes pairs julienned fresh ginger, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions, soy sauce 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp, julienned fresh ginger
- 4, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp julienned fresh ginger to the beef, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Toss in 4 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces and drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the stir-fry. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and scallions are slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, toss to combine, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger 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 julienned fresh ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions 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 Ginger and Scallions?
Chinese lamb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The beef was tender and the sauce was just right.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The ginger and scallions gave it such a fresh flavor.
- ★★★★★
This was incredibly quick and delicious! My family loved it, and it was ready in under 15 minutes.