Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic Sauce

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

Quick stir-fried beef strips infused with fresh ginger and scallions, coated in a savory soy-garlic sauce that delivers bold umami flavor. This asian-inspired new year (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends soy sauce, finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 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 and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium-high, add 1 tbsp sesame oil, then sauté 2 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger and 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 sliced scallions (2-inch lengths) and stir-fry for 1 minute until scallions soften slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the pan, add 2 tbsp water, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic 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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic 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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic 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 Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic 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.

Is Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions in Soy-Garlic Sauce high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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