Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger, finished in a savory soy sesame sauce. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, minced fresh ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 stalks, chopped scallions
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-high and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Return beef to the wok and add 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss everything together.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 chopped scallions and a pinch of 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if desired before serving over steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce?
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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Ginger in Soy Sesame Sauce?
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.
