Spicy Citrus Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger

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

A quick stir fry featuring tender strips of beef tossed with fresh garlic, ginger, and a vibrant spicy citrus sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch to lightly coat; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp julienned ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides but still tender.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Pour this sauce over the beef, stir well, and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Citrus Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Citrus 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, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Citrus 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 Citrus Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Ginger 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.

What goes well with Spicy Citrus 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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