Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with fresh zucchini, aromatic ginger, and scallions in a Whole30-approved savory sauce. This asian-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini, minced fresh ginger, stalks, thinly sliced scallions 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 medium, sliced into half-moons zucchini
- 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and spread evenly. Let sear for 2 minutes without stirring, then toss and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 medium sliced zucchini and 4 thinly sliced scallions to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return beef to the pan and pour in 3 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Season with 3/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats all ingredients.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry 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 minced fresh ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions 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 Sautéed Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Ginger and Scallions gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Equipment for this recipe
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