Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Scallions and Sesame
Quick stir-fried strips of beef with garlic and scallions, finished with toasted sesame seeds for a fragrant, savory dish. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 17 minutes pairs vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 4, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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 the edges start browning but the center remains tender.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 4 sliced scallions, tossing quickly for 1 minute until fragrant and the scallions soften but retain their vibrant green color.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the beef is fully coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the beef. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Scallions 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Scallions 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Scallions and Sesame 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 Garlic Beef with Scallions 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.
