Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Spicy Sesame Beef

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crunchy zucchini noodles in a savory, slightly spicy sesame sauce, perfect for a keto-friendly dinner. This asian fusion-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, zucchini, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pan. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pan, pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another minute until heated through and well coated.
  4. Step 4: 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Spicy Sesame 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 Noodles Stir-Fried 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 flank steak from drying out.

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

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