Quick Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with fragrant sesame oil and scallions for a savory dish ready in under 20 minutes. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 18 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, soy sauce, sesame oil 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp brown sugar until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the hot oil, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Toss in 4 sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, stir-frying for another 1 minute until scallions are slightly wilted but still bright green.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a quick, flavorful stir-fry.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sesame Beef with 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 flank steak, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with 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 Sesame Beef with 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 Sesame Beef with Scallions?

Asian beef 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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