Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Scallions in Hoisin Sauce
Quick stir-fried beef strips glazed in a savory hoisin sauce with fragrant garlic and fresh scallions for a speedy weeknight meal. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 18 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 4, 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
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 5 stalks scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Step 4: Stir together 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp water, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the beef and toss for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Step 5: Add 5 chopped scallions and stir-fry for 30 seconds until just wilted. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Scallions in Hoisin Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Scallions in Hoisin 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 Scallions in Hoisin 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 Scallions in Hoisin Sauce 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Scallions in Hoisin Sauce?
Chinese stir fry 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.