Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Sesame

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp zucchini noodles and toasted sesame seeds for a light yet flavorful keto stir-fry. This asian fusion-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, sesame oil, soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free) 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 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: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 350 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 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the pan, tossing continuously for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the pan along with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Sesame 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and 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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Sesame 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Sesame low carb?

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

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