Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with garlic, sesame, and a hint of chili for a flavorful weeknight meal. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely minced garlic cloves, red chili flakes, soy sauce 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
- 4, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until the beef is browned and just cooked through.
- Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over the beef, add 2 sliced green onions, and toss everything together for 1 minute.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame?
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 finely minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame?
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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Sesame?
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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