Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry

$- Flank steak - Sesame oil - Garlic and ginger - Vegetables (bell pepper, broccoli, carrots) - Sauce ingredients (soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey) - Garnishes (sesame seeds, green onions) - Serving options (jasmine rice or noodles) To make a great sesame garlic beef stir fry, you need fresh and quality ingredients. - Flank steak: This cut is lean and tender when cooked right. Thinly slice it against the grain. This helps keep it soft. - Sesame oil: Use two tablespoons. This oil adds a nutty flavor that makes the dish shine. - Garlic and ginger: You will need four cloves of minced garlic and one inch of grated ginger. They give a nice kick to the beef. - Vegetables: Choose a bell pepper, some broccoli florets, and carrots. These add crunch and color to your stir fry. - Sauce ingredients: Mix three tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey. This will bring all the flavors together. - Garnishes: Use two tablespoons of sesame seeds and three chopped green onions. They add flavor and make the dish look pretty. - Serving options: Finally, serve your stir fry over jasmine rice or noodles. This makes a filling meal. With these ingredients, you are ready to cook a delicious sesame garlic beef stir fry. Each part plays a role in making this dish tasty and fun to eat. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to marinate the beef. Take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch of grated ginger. Mix well to coat every piece. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This step adds flavor and makes the beef tender. Next, let’s sauté the vegetables. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 thinly sliced bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 2 medium julienned carrots. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. After that, remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Now, it's time to cook the marinated beef. In the same skillet, add the beef in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a nice crust. After that, stir-fry the beef for another 2 to 3 minutes. Cook it until it reaches your desired doneness, around 135°F for medium-rare. While the beef cooks, make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over it. Stir to coat every piece of beef in that tasty sauce. Return the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet with the beef. Toss everything together and heat it through for about 1 minute. While mixing, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Finally, it’s time to plate your dish. Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked jasmine rice or noodles. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with finely chopped green onions. This adds color and freshness. Enjoy your sesame garlic beef stir fry! Flank steak is my top pick for stir-fry. It has a rich flavor and a nice texture. Thin slices of flank steak cook fast and stay tender. Make sure to cut against the grain. This method helps keep the meat soft and easy to chew. Heat is key in stir-frying. Use high heat to get that nice sear on the meat. When cooking, don’t crowd the pan. If you add too much, the meat will steam instead of sear. This can make it tough. Cook the beef in batches if needed. Keep an eye on the time too. Sear for 2-3 minutes, then stir-fry until done. You can tweak the flavors to match your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Need more salt? Drizzle in extra soy sauce. For spice, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Just remember, add little bits at a time. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Experimenting with flavors makes your stir-fry unique. Pro Tips Slice Against the Grain: For a tender bite, always slice flank steak against the grain. This breaks down the muscle fibers and makes the beef easier to chew. High Heat for Stir-Frying: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. This helps achieve that beautiful sear and keeps the vegetables crisp. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, like snap peas or baby corn, depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the beef rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier stir-fry. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the flank steak for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use the same marinade for tofu. For tempeh, steam it first for better texture. You can also use seitan for a meaty bite. Use soy sauce and rice vinegar in the sauce mix. To add more flavor, try different toppings. Add crushed red pepper for heat. A sprinkle of lime juice brightens the dish. You can also use chopped nuts for crunch. Sesame oil adds a nice nutty taste. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can give it a fresh twist. Seasonal vegetables can change the dish's vibe. In spring, use snap peas or asparagus. In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers. Fall brings squash and mushrooms into play. In winter, think about using Brussels sprouts or kale. Each season offers unique flavors and nutrients. Feel free to mix and match! You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cool the stir-fry before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors intact. When ready to eat, just reheat the desired amount. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the stir-fry. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To keep the taste, try to remove as much air as you can from the bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. The best way to reheat stir-fry is in a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Place the stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Sirloin, ribeye, or even round steak works well. These cuts can add unique flavors and textures. Sirloin offers a leaner option, while ribeye gives a rich taste. Choose what you like best. To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, check the rice vinegar to ensure it contains no gluten. This way, you can still enjoy the meal without worry. You can add heat with a few ingredients. Try adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers. For a different flavor, use sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Start with a little and taste as you go. Serve this stir-fry with cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Both pair well with the flavors. You can also add a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh salad. These options balance the meal and add variety. Yes, you can prep ahead of time. Slice the beef and chop vegetables the day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Marinate the beef a few hours before cooking for better flavor. This saves time and makes cooking easier. This blog provided all you need for a tasty Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry. You learned about essential ingredients and how to prepare them step-by-step. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and ways to customize flavors. You also discovered variations and storage options. Remember, cooking is fun! Feel free to make it your own. Enjoy this quick meal anytime, and share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!$

Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry

A delicious stir fry featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sesame garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, grated
1 bell pepper thinly sliced (red or yellow)
1 cup broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
3 green onions finely chopped (for garnish)
as needed cooked jasmine rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove from the pan.
In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for 2-3 minutes. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked to your preference.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Pour over the cooked beef and stir to coat.
Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the beef and toss together, heating through for about 1 minute. Sprinkle in sesame seeds and fold them in.
Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.

Keyword beef, garlic, quick meal, sesame, stir fry