Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Beef

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with fresh zucchini noodles and a savory sesame garlic sauce for a quick low-carb dinner. This asian-inspired keto (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, medium, spiralized 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 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: 10 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 wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. 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 ginger root. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but not soggy.
  3. Step 3: Return beef to pan, add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Beef 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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