Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry

$For a tasty Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup snap peas - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water - Sesame seeds for garnish - Green onions, sliced for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture. The flank steak gives richness, while the ginger and garlic add zest. Sesame oil brings a nutty taste, and the veggies provide crunch and color. Soy sauce and honey balance sweetness and saltiness, while rice vinegar gives a bit of tang. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it glossy and delicious. Don't forget the sesame seeds and green onions for that final touch! {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the flank steak Start by slicing the flank steak thinly. This helps to make it tender. Place the slices in a bowl. Add one tablespoon of sesame oil, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Mix this well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This time adds flavor to the beef. Tips for slicing against the grain Slicing against the grain means cutting across the muscle fibers. Look for the lines on the beef. Cut perpendicular to these lines. This technique makes the beef easier to chew. Timing for marination Marinating for 15 minutes works well. You can marinate longer if needed. Just avoid over-marinating, as it can change the beef's texture. Heating the sesame oil In a large wok or skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Use medium-high heat for best results. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the beef. Searing the beef Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You want a nice brown color. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside. Best practices for browning meat Ensure the pan is hot. This helps create a good sear. Do not stir the meat too much. Let it sit in the pan to develop flavor. Cooking times for each vegetable Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and snap peas to the same pan. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright and tender-crisp. Techniques for keeping vegetables crisp Cook over high heat and keep stirring. This helps to cook them fast while keeping their crunch. Incorporating the beef back Once the vegetables are done, return the beef to the pan. Mix everything well to combine. Preparing the sauce In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water. This sauce brings all the flavors together. Combining all ingredients Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Achieving the right sauce consistency A good sauce should coat the beef and veggies, not be too runny. Adjust by adding more cornstarch if needed. Enjoy your delicious Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry! - Balancing sweetness and saltiness: Use honey and soy sauce to create a tasty mix. Start with a small amount of honey. Taste as you go to find the right balance. - Adjusting spice levels: If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili. Start with a pinch and increase to your liking. - Adding more vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas add crunch and color. - Best pan choices for stir-frying: A wok or large skillet works best. They heat evenly and give great results. - Temperature control for optimal results: Keep the heat high when stir-frying. This helps brown the meat and keep the veggies crisp. - Using the right utensils: A spatula or wooden spoon is best for stirring. Avoid using metal utensils to protect your pan’s surface. - Serving suggestions: Serve the stir fry hot over jasmine rice or quinoa. This adds a nice base and soaks up the sauce. - Garnishing tips for visual appeal: Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add color and a fresh taste. - Pairing with sides like rice or quinoa: Both options are great. They complement the stir fry and make it a complete meal. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness. For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. High Heat for Searing: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the beef. Searing at high heat locks in moisture and creates a nice crust on the meat. Colorful Vegetables: Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a visually appealing dish. This not only enhances presentation but also maximizes nutritional benefits. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water and stir until you reach the desired consistency. Just be careful not to overdo it! {{image_2}} You can switch out beef for chicken or tofu in this recipe. For chicken, use thin slices of breast or thigh meat. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu and press it to remove extra water. Adjust cooking times slightly. Chicken needs about 5-6 minutes to cook through. Tofu cooks fast, about 3-4 minutes, just until golden. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have. Seasonal options include bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. You can also use frozen vegetables. They are quick and easy. Just add them straight to the pan and cook until they are heated through. Want to spice things up? Add chili flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also brighten the dish. Don’t hesitate to explore different sauces. Try teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a new twist. Experimenting makes cooking fun! To keep your Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to three days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave until hot. If you want to save some for later, freeze it. Let the stir fry cool completely first. Then, use a freezer-safe container. It can last for about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat until hot. Always handle food safely. Make sure to wash your hands before and after touching food. Check for spoilage signs before eating leftovers. If it smells bad or looks off, do not eat it. Keeping food safe helps you enjoy your meals worry-free. Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Good alternatives include sirloin or ribeye. These cuts are tender and flavorful, just like flank steak. If you choose a thicker cut, slice it thin for quick cooking. Always cut against the grain for the best texture. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that tastes great. You can also use coconut aminos as a good substitute. Both options work well and keep the flavors strong. This stir fry pairs well with jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with steamed rice noodles for a twist. For added crunch, try serving it with a side salad. It balances the meal with fresh flavors. To add heat, include sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also use chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick. If you like it really hot, add some chili oil while cooking. This enhances the dish and makes it exciting! In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry. We covered key ingredients, from flank steak to fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. We looked at tips to enhance flavors and presented variations for flexibility. Finally, I provided storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. This dish is not only quick to make but also easy to customize. Dive in and enjoy creating this tasty meal!$

Sesame Ginger Beef Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper sliced
1 cup snap peas
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
to taste sesame seeds for garnish
to taste green onions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes or until they are vibrant and tender-crisp.
Return the beef back to the wok with the vegetables. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture. Pour this sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Serve the stir fry over a bed of steaming jasmine rice or quinoa in large bowls. Sprinkle additional sesame seeds and green onions on top for added color and flavor.

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