Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Sesame Beef
A low-carb stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef and zucchini noodles tossed in a savory, spicy sesame sauce. This asian-inspired beef (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 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 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, thinly sliced beef sirloin
- 2 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 spiralized medium zucchinis and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and zucchini noodles evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Sesame Beef take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spicy Sesame 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 Spicy Sesame 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 Spicy Sesame Beef for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Sesame Beef keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So flavorful and healthy, my kids even ate the zoodles.
- ★★★★★
Quick weeknight staple - cooks faster than ordering takeout!
- ★★★★☆
Beef was a bit too spicy for my family, but the sesame sauce was perfect.
