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Quick Savory Sesame Ginger Beef Stir-Fry

sesame ginger beef stir-fry - featured image

A fast and flavorful beef stir-fry with sesame and ginger, perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 15 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). Freeze for 20 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.
  2. Marinate the beef by mixing 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar in a bowl. Toss beef slices in and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Prep vegetables: thinly slice red bell pepper, julienne carrot, chop green onions, mince garlic and grate ginger.
  4. Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. When shimmering, add marinated beef in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Let beef sear without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry until browned but still juicy. Remove beef and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add more oil if needed and stir-fry minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add sliced bell pepper and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
  8. Return beef to pan. Add remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat and cook for 2 minutes.
  9. Drizzle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil over the stir-fry and toss to combine.
  10. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Freeze beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make thin slicing easier. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Toast sesame seeds quickly in a dry pan to bring out nuttiness. Drizzle sesame oil at the end for best aroma and flavor. Avoid overcooking beef to keep it tender. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently in a skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stir-fry, sesame ginger beef, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy stir-fry, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, healthy beef recipe