Are you tired of takeout and craving a delicious meal at home? Let me guide you to create a Better Than Takeout Garlic Sesame Beef that’s quick and easy! With simple ingredients like flank steak, garlic, and soy sauce, you’ll impress your taste buds. This recipe not only saves you money but also brings joy to your dining table. Get ready to cook a dish you’ll love to serve and share!
Ingredients
To make Better Than Takeout Garlic Sesame Beef, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture. The flank steak gives a rich taste, while cornstarch helps the beef get crispy. Vegetable oil is ideal for high heat, ensuring a perfect sear. Garlic and ginger add depth, making the dish aromatic and vibrant.
Low-sodium soy sauce balances the saltiness and enhances the dish without overpowering it. Sesame oil contributes a nutty flavor, while brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Rice vinegar brightens the sauce, making every bite refreshing.
Finally, sesame seeds and green onions serve as garnishes. They add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Enjoy these ingredients as you create this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Beef
1. Marinating with cornstarch: Start by cutting the flank steak into thin slices against the grain. This helps make it tender. In a bowl, toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will help create a nice crust when we cook it. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes. This marinating time is key for flavor.
2. Slicing technique for flank steak: Always slice the flank steak against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers. It makes each bite tender and easy to chew.
Cooking Process
1. Searing the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. This step is important to lock in the juices. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Making the sauce: In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and a 1-inch piece of grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, mix together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle boil.
3. Combining ingredients: Return the beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through. The sauce should thicken slightly at this point.
Serving Suggestions
1. Serving with jasmine rice: Serve the garlic sesame beef hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the flavors from the sauce.
2. Garnishing options: For a fresh touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and 2 finely chopped green onions on top. You can add more green onions if you like. This adds a nice crunch and color to your dish.
Tips & Tricks
Expert Cooking Tips
– Perfecting the sear on beef: Always start with a hot skillet. Heat the vegetable oil until it shimmers. Add the beef in a single layer. This helps it brown nicely. Do not overcrowd the pan. If the beef steams, it won’t sear well.
– Balancing flavors in the sauce: Mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and rice vinegar well. Taste as you go. If it’s too salty, add a touch more sugar. If it’s too sweet, a bit more soy sauce can help. Aim for a nice blend of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overcooking the beef: Flank steak cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it. Once it’s browned, remove it from the heat. It should be tender, not tough.
– Not enough marinade time: Letting the beef sit with cornstarch is key. Ten minutes helps it absorb a bit of flavor. If you have more time, you can let it marinate longer. This makes a big difference in taste.
Enhancing the Dish
– Adding vegetables: You can stir-fry veggies with the beef. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add crunch and color. Just toss them in after the garlic and ginger, then add the sauce.
– Adjusting spice levels: Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a little and taste. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take heat away.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the cut of beef for this dish. Try using sirloin or ribeye. These cuts have great flavor and tenderness. If you want a vegetarian option, use firm tofu or tempeh. Both soak up the sauce well and add protein.
Flavor Add-Ins
To spice things up, think about adding chili flakes or sriracha. These will give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for extra richness. Both add depth and enhance the flavor profile.
Dietary Modifications
For a gluten-free version, swap out soy sauce for tamari. This keeps the taste while making it safe for gluten-free diets. If you want to lower the sugar, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you can enjoy the dish without the extra sweetness.
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
To keep your leftover garlic sesame beef fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps to maintain flavor and texture. Slice the beef thinly and place it in the container. It will stay good for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze the beef. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat the beef in a skillet. Heat it on medium until warm. This method keeps the beef tender. You can also add a splash of water or broth. It helps to keep the meat moist.
If you’re short on time, use a microwave. Place the beef in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Stir in between to ensure even warming.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, garlic sesame beef lasts up to three days in the fridge. After that, it may spoil. Look for signs like a sour smell or a change in color. If it looks or smells off, toss it out.
In the freezer, the beef can last up to three months. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check before eating if it’s been a while. Keeping tabs on your leftovers helps ensure a tasty meal each time!
FAQs
What is Garlic Sesame Beef?
Garlic Sesame Beef is a tasty dish made with flank steak, garlic, and sesame oil. It has a rich flavor from soy sauce and brown sugar. This meal cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. You serve it over jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. The sesame seeds and green onions add a nice crunch and fresh taste.
Can I use different types of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Sirloin and ribeye are good options, too. Just make sure to slice them thinly, like flank steak. This helps them cook fast and stay tender. You can even try ground beef if you want a different texture.
How do I make it spicier?
To add heat, you can use red pepper flakes or chili paste. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers for more flavor. If you want a kick, mix in some Sriracha sauce into the sauce mix.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Garlic Sesame Beef in advance. Cook the beef and sauce, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Make sure to serve it with fresh rice for the best taste.
This blog covered how to make Garlic Sesame Beef with ease. We discussed key ingredients and clear steps to prepare tender flank steak. I shared tips to enhance the dish without common mistakes. You can also try variations for different tastes and diets. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Remember, cooking is about having fun and being creative. You can make this dish your own while satisfying your cravings. Enjoy the process and the flavors!
