Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef and spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a savory sesame-ginger sauce, perfect for low-carb keto meals. This asian-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs beef sirloin, zucchini, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and sear for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the skillet and add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce coats the ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef?

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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef?

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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef 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.

Is Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame-Ginger Beef keto?

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

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