The Perfect Sesame-Ginger Beef Recipe for Zesty Weeknight Dinners

My latest culinary adventure with sesame-ginger beef sparked an unexpected dinner party sensation among friends.

Fragrant spices dancing through tender meat promise a memorable meal.

Crisp vegetables complement the rich protein in surprising ways.

Bold flavors blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious plate you’ll crave repeatedly.

Kitchen experiments often lead to delightful discoveries like this recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that feels both comforting and exciting.

When you take that first bite, expect a delicious journey through savory and bright taste profiles.

Sesame-Ginger Beef Highlights

• Speed Up Dinner: Whip up this delicious sesame-ginger beef in just a few quick steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, saving you time and effort after cooking.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the bold taste of ginger, soy sauce, and sesame seeds with tender beef and crisp green beans for a mouthwatering dish that tingles your taste buds and satisfies your hunger.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Enjoy a balanced dinner that delivers a protein punch with lean beef, complemented by nutritious green beans and vibrant seasonings for a wholesome eating experience.

Ingredients for Sesame-Ginger Beef

• Beef: A protein-rich meat that serves as the primary component of this stir-fry dish.
• Green Beans: A crisp vegetable that adds freshness and green color to the recipe.
• Green Onions: A zesty garnish that provides a mild onion flavor and bright finish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
• Cornstarch: A coating that helps create a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that adds depth and umami to the dish.
• Vinegar: A tangy ingredient that balances the flavors and adds brightness.
• Sugar: A sweetener that rounds out the complex flavor profile.

• Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor boosters that provide a classic Asian-inspired taste.
• Sesame Seeds: A nutty topping that adds texture and authentic sesame flavor.

• Oil: A cooking medium used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking.

Preparation Instructions for Sesame-Ginger Beef

Step 1: Prepare Beef Coating

Pat beef dry using paper towels.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the beef.

Dust beef with cornstarch, ensuring every piece is evenly covered.

Set beef aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Green Beans

Heat skillet over medium-high temperature.

Drizzle oil into pan.

Toss green beans and cook for one minute.

Pour water into skillet and cover with lid.

Steam green beans for additional minute.

Transfer beans to separate plate and discard remaining water.

Step 3: Sizzle Beef

Return skillet to high heat.

Add remaining oil.

When oil is extremely hot, carefully add beef.

Stir-fry beef until nearly cooked, moving pieces continuously for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor Profile

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Granulated sugar

Quickly stir to coat beef with sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return green beans to skillet.

Toss everything together.

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips for Sesame-Ginger Beef

• Pat beef with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when stir-frying.
• Toss beef in cornstarch for a light, protective layer that seals in juices and creates a delightful texture.
• Quick-steam green beans with water and lid to retain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Cook beef on high heat for a short time to achieve perfect sear and prevent toughening the meat.
• Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar off high heat to prevent burning and maintain a harmonious taste profile.

Flavor Variations for Sesame-Ginger Beef

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Use gluten-free cornstarch for coating the beef.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap beef with firm tofu or seitan, cutting into similar-sized pieces and following the same cooking method. Ensure tofu is pressed and dried thoroughly before coating.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute green beans with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol instead of regular sugar.
• Spicy Kick Adaptation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during the stir-fry stage for extra heat. Include diced jalapeños or chili oil to intensify the spice level for heat lovers.

Serving Ideas for Sesame-Ginger Beef

• Dinner Date Night Delight: Pair this sizzling sesame-ginger beef with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Spread the beef and green beans over a large platter, garnish generously with extra green onions and sesame seeds for an inviting shared dining experience.
• Quick Weeknight Combo: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to balance the warm, savory beef and add refreshing texture.
• Asian-Inspired Bowl: Layer the beef and green beans over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that maintains the vibrant flavors and satisfying protein-packed profile.

Storage Advice for Sesame-Ginger Beef

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled beef and green beans to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm beef in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated completely. Sprinkle fresh sesame seeds on top for extra crunch.

FAQs

• Why coat the beef in cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the beef from becoming tough during high-heat cooking. It also helps the sauce stick better to the meat, enhancing flavor and texture.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Flank steak or sirloin work best for this stir-fry. Choose lean cuts that can be quickly cooked at high temperatures without becoming chewy or tough.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?

Cook the beef on high heat for a short time, just until it’s almost done. The quick stir-frying method and sauce help keep the meat tender and juicy. Remove the beef from heat as soon as it’s nearly cooked through.

Sesame-Ginger Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sesame-ginger beef delivers an explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates with remarkable complexity. Tender marinated beef meets crisp vegetables, creating a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave something extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) skirt steak (thinly sliced into 1/4-inch strips)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 pound (454 grams) green beans (trimmed)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3-inch piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon canola oil (divided)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with cornstarch to create a crisp exterior.
2. Heat skillet over medium-high and quickly sauté green beans for 1 minute, adding water and covering to steam for an additional minute until vibrant and crisp-tender.
3. Increase skillet heat to high, adding remaining oil until nearly smoking to ensure proper beef searing.
4. Stir-fry beef rapidly, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes until surface turns golden and meat is mostly cooked through.
5. Reduce heat to medium and immediately introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, stirring swiftly to create a glossy, flavor-packed coating on the beef.
6. Reintroduce steamed green beans to the skillet, tossing gently to integrate with the aromatic sauce.
7. Garnish generously with chopped green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds across the dish for added texture and nutty complexity.
8. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet to preserve the meal’s vibrant flavors and optimal temperature.

Notes

• Pat beef thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during stir-frying.
• Coating beef with cornstarch creates a protective layer that helps seal in juices and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Use high heat for quick cooking to maintain beef’s tenderness and prevent overcooking, which can make meat tough and chewy.
• Feel free to swap green beans with other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 331 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 763 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg