Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with Sesame

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

A quick keto stir fry combining tender strips of beef with cauliflower florets in a savory, zesty sesame sauce, perfect for a low-carb dinner. This asian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs bite-sized cauliflower florets, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 4 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the wok and add 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the beef and cauliflower.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with 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 sesame oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with 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 Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with Sesame 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 Zesty Beef and Cauliflower Stir Fry with Sesame low carb?

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

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