Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry

$- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced - 3 garlic cloves, minced The main ingredients start with flank steak. This cut is tender and flavorful. It cooks quickly, making it great for stir-fry. Next, we use sesame oil. This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic give the dish a bright and zesty kick. Their aromas fill your kitchen while you cook. - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup snow peas, trimmed - 2 green onions, chopped Now, let’s talk about vegetables. Red bell pepper brings color and sweetness. It adds crunch to the dish. Snow peas keep their shape and snap when cooked. They are a great source of vitamins. Green onions add a fresh taste and a pop of green. Together, these veggies create a beautiful and balanced stir-fry. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water The sauce is key for flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Honey gives a touch of sweetness to balance the salt. Rice vinegar adds tanginess, brightening the whole dish. Finally, cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce. This makes it cling to the beef and veggies, creating a delicious glaze. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the flank steak First, slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps make the meat tender. In a large bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Add the sliced beef and stir well. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step makes the beef flavorful and juicy. Preparing vegetables Now, wash and slice your vegetables. Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips. Trim the ends of the snow peas. Chop the green onions into small pieces. Set them aside. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and quick. Stir-frying the beef Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and let it get hot. Once the oil shines, add the marinated beef in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan; this helps the meat brown well. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it turns brown. Remove the beef and set it aside. Cooking the vegetables In the same skillet, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until you smell their strong aroma. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and snow peas. Stir-fry these for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crisp. This keeps the dish colorful and fresh. Adding the cornstarch slurry Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine everything. Now, add the cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will thicken the sauce nicely. Cook for another minute, mixing until the sauce coats the meat and veggies. Final touches and serving Finally, stir in the chopped green onions. Let it cook for one more minute. This will add a nice crunch and flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a beautiful finish. Serve your stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite of this bold and flavorful meal! To get your stir-fry just right, manage your heat and timing. Start with a hot pan. This helps sear the meat quickly. Use medium-high heat for best results. Cook the meat for about 3-4 minutes. Remove it once it turns brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too much meat or veggies, they steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed. This keeps the dish crisp and full of flavor. You can switch up the vegetables in this dish. Try broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. These choices still bring great color and crunch. You might also use other cuts of beef. Sirloin or ribeye can work well in stir-fry. Just slice them thinly like flank steak. Marinating the beef is key. The honey and soy sauce add sweet and salty notes. Let the beef soak for 15-20 minutes. This makes it tender and tasty. If you want more spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also chop a chili pepper for a fresh kick. This will elevate your sesame ginger beef stir fry even more. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes; this enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches to ensure it sears properly instead of steaming; this will give you a better texture. Keep Vegetables Crisp: Stir-fry vegetables just until tender but still crisp to maintain their vibrant color and nutrients. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this stir-fry. If you prefer chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Cut it into thin strips, just like the beef. Marinate it with the same sauce for great flavor. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Press it to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and marinate like the beef. Stir-fry until it's golden brown. You can change the sauce to fit your needs. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce. It tastes just as good and works well in this dish. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options will give a nice sweetness. Make this dish fit the season by changing the vegetables. In spring, add fresh asparagus or snap peas. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful dish. For fall, consider adding sliced mushrooms or carrots. In winter, use hearty veggies like broccoli or bok choy. You can even make holiday-themed stir-fries with festive colors and ingredients. To keep your stir-fry fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool the food completely before sealing it. This step helps reduce moisture and keeps the flavors intact. You can freeze stir-fry for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label it with the date. Your stir-fry can last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Get creative with leftover stir-fry! You can make a quick fried rice by adding cooked rice and an egg. Another idea is to use it as a filling for wraps or tacos. Stir-fry can also top a salad for a fresh twist. The options are endless, and you can mix and match to keep meals exciting! Yes, you can use other meats. Chicken, pork, or shrimp work well. Choose thin cuts to cook evenly. If you want a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the meat you pick. Marinate the beef for 15 to 20 minutes. This time allows the meat to soak up the flavors. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it longer—up to 2 hours. Keep it in the fridge while it marinates. Serve this stir fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. You learned about making a great Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry. We went over key ingredients like flank steak, fresh veggies, and a tasty sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it perfectly. I also included tips on stir-frying and variations you can try. Remember, cooking should be fun and tasty. With these ideas, you'll create delicious meals for yourself and family. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients! Your kitchen adventure starts now!$

Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful stir fry featuring marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
2 stalks green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
to taste sesame seeds for garnish
to serve cooked jasmine rice or noodles

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced ginger and garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced red bell pepper and snow peas. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and mix well, cooking for an additional minute until the sauce coats the meat and vegetables.
Stir in chopped green onions and let it cook for another minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, ensuring that each bowl has a generous amount of the sauce.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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