Stir-Fried Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with fresh ginger and scallions in a savory soy sauce glaze. This chinese ready in about 20 minutes blends finely minced fresh ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil 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 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat in a large wok until shimmering. Add the beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-high and add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the wok. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp water to the wok. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok along with 4 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce coats all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy 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 Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy 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 Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy 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 Ginger Beef with Scallions and Soy Sauce?

Chinese chinese 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.

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