Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh ginger, scallions, and a savory sesame-soy glaze for a fragrant and satisfying dish. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 18 minutes pairs soy sauce, sesame oil, finely grated fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 4 stalks, sliced into 1-inch pieces scallions
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water; stir until smooth to make the sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering, then add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer; stir-fry for 2 minutes until the edges brown but meat is still pink inside.
- Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 4 sliced scallion stalks; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the prepared soy-sesame sauce into the wok along with 2 tbsp sesame oil and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using; cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger?
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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger?
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 Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger 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 Sesame Beef with Scallions and Ginger?
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.
