Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili
A quick stir-fry combining tender strips of beef with toasted sesame seeds and a spicy chili sauce for a warming, flavorful dinner. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, minced ginger root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger root
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks, sliced for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips to the wok, spreading them out, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the beef and toss to combine for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (15 min prep + 7 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili?
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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili?
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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Toasted Sesame and Chili?
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.
