Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quickly stir-fried tender beef strips tossed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a spicy soy-based sauce. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs flank steak, cornstarch, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender, then remove from pan.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-high, add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp red chili flakes to the pan; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the pan, add 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tbsp brown sugar, tossing to coat and cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger?

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 from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger?

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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger?

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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