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To make a tasty Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 carrots, julienned - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Cooked jasmine rice or noodles (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a flavorful dish. The flank steak gives the stir fry its protein. The sesame oil adds a rich taste, while garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. Fresh veggies like bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots add color and crunch. You can add your own twist to this recipe. Here are some ideas: - For heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers. - Swap flank steak for chicken or tofu for a different protein. - Use snow peas or snap peas instead of broccoli for variety. - Try different bell pepper colors for a fun look. These optional ingredients allow you to customize the dish to your liking. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! This stir fry is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Protein: The flank steak offers lean protein, which helps build muscle. - Vitamins: The bell pepper and broccoli are rich in vitamins A and C. - Fiber: Carrots and broccoli add fiber to help with digestion. Each serving provides a balanced meal. Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles for carbs. This dish is perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This step helps the meat stay tender. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These flavors will soak into the meat. Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend well. While the beef marinates, prepare your veggies. Heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside. This keeps your veggies fresh and colorful. In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 2-3 minutes. This gives the beef a nice sear. After that, stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Cook it until it reaches your desired doneness. While the beef cooks, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over it. Stir to combine everything well. Now, return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together, letting it heat for another minute. This step ensures the flavors mix together. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry and mix well. Serve the dish over cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Top it with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your homemade sesame garlic beef stir fry! To make your beef tender, choose flank steak. It has great flavor and texture. Slice the meat thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers. Marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes. Use sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for a tasty mix. The marinade adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef. For a colorful stir fry, add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. These veggies bring crunch and nutrients. Red or yellow bell peppers are sweet and bright. Broccoli adds a nice bite. Carrots give a hint of sweetness. You can also add snap peas or mushrooms for more variety. Choose vegetables you love for a personal touch. Timing is key in stir-frying. Heat your skillet or wok well before adding ingredients. Cook the veggies for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove them from the pan so they don't overcook. Add the beef next. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes before stirring. This gives it a nice crust. Once the beef is done, mix everything back together. Heat for just one more minute to combine flavors. Enjoy your meal hot and fresh! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Letting the beef marinate longer than 20 minutes, if possible, enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. High Heat is Key: Cooking on medium-high heat helps to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and creating a nice crust. Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy to customize the stir-fry to your taste. Perfecting the Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your preference; add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for a saltier flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian or vegan meal. Instead of beef, use tofu or tempeh. These options soak up flavors well and add protein. For a deeper taste, marinate the tofu with soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking. Add more veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for color and crunch. You can also use a plant-based soy sauce for a vegan-friendly dish. Making this recipe gluten-free is simple. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Tamari has a rich taste and works well in stir-fries. Ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free, too. Most sesame oils and rice vinegars are gluten-free, but check labels to be sure. Serve over rice or gluten-free noodles to keep the dish satisfying. If you want to switch up the protein, try chicken or shrimp. Thinly slice chicken breast and follow the same steps. For shrimp, use peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for just a couple of minutes until they turn pink. You can even mix proteins, using half beef and half chicken for a fun twist. Each option brings its own unique flavor and texture to the stir-fry. To keep your Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps to prevent condensation inside the container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil. This helps keep the beef and veggies moist. Stir gently until everything is hot. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through to heat evenly. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze your stir fry. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Storing and reheating correctly helps you enjoy this dish multiple times without losing flavor or texture! The best cut of beef for stir fry is flank steak. It is tender and has great flavor. Slice it thinly against the grain for the best results. You can also use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Marinate the beef and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also cook the stir fry and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just reheat it before serving. Serve this stir fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Both options soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side of sliced cucumbers or a simple salad for freshness. This will balance the meal and add crunch. This recipe is mild and not very spicy. The garlic and ginger add flavor without heat. If you want more spice, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers. You can also try a dash of sriracha for some extra kick. Adjust it to your taste for the perfect spice level. You learned about sesame garlic beef stir fry, its key ingredients, and how to prep it. We discussed tips for tender beef and the best veggies. I shared variations to fit different diets and how to store leftovers well. This dish is quick and easy for any meal. Experiment with flavors or proteins to make it your own. Now you can enjoy this tasty recipe anytime!

Sesame Garlic Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful stir fry featuring tender flank steak, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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 ginger, grated
  • 1 bell pepper red or yellow, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 carrots julienned
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 2-3 minutes to allow a nice sear. Then stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until it's cooked to your desired doneness.
  • While the beef is cooking, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Once the beef is ready, pour the sauce over the beef and stir to combine everything evenly.
  • Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing it to heat through for an additional minute. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and mix well.
  • Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, topped with chopped green onions for garnish. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the stir fry.
Keyword beef stir fry, garlic, quick meal, sesame