Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions in Soy Garlic Sauce
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with fresh ginger and scallions in a savory soy garlic sauce, perfect over steamed rice. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced 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 310 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 thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 4 sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium-high, add 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves to the wok, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return beef to the wok along with 4 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces and pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and remove from heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
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.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Beef with Ginger and Scallions in Soy Garlic 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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