Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Ginger Beef
A quick stir-fry of tender beef strips with zucchini noodles in a savory sesame ginger sauce, perfect for a low-carb keto meal. This asian fusion-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs sesame oil, minced fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for keto)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and 3 tbsp soy sauce, tossing quickly to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not soggy.
- Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and toss everything together for another minute to combine flavors.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Ginger 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 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 sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Ginger Beef 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Sesame Ginger Beef keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.