Have you ever cooked something that was so flavorful, you couldn’t wait to share it? That was me with this sesame ginger beef recipe! The tender beef, paired with crisp green beans, is perfectly coated in an umami-rich sauce that hits all the right notes.
I served it over warm rice, and the way the sauce soaked into the grains was just magic. If you’re into quick, delicious meals that taste like they took hours to make, this recipe needs to be on your list. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself after the first bite.
Credit: northeastnosh
Ingredients You’ll Need and Why They Work
- 1 pound skirt steak, thinly sliced into ¼-inch strips
Why: Skirt steak is tender, quick to cook, and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Slice it thinly for the best texture. - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Why: Basic but essential to bring out the meat’s natural flavor. - 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Why: Creates a light coating for the beef, which helps it sear beautifully and thicken the sauce. - 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
Why: Perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering the other flavors. - 1 pound green beans, trimmed
Why: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the beef. Use fresh beans; frozen won’t keep their crunch. - 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pro Tip: Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor compared to pre-minced jars. - 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
Why: The spicy warmth of ginger balances the sweetness of the dish. Fresh is key! - ¼ cup soy sauce
Why: Provides the salty, umami punch that defines the sauce. - 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Why: Adds a subtle tang that rounds out the richness of the sauce. - 3 tablespoons sugar
Why: Balances the saltiness and enhances the caramelization. - 2 green onions, chopped
Why: Garnishes the dish with a mild oniony bite. - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Why: Adds nutty crunch and some visual flair.
Note: This recipe yields about four hearty servings. Adjust quantities if you’re serving fewer or more people!
Variations
- Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- Dairy-Free: It already is! Just stick to the recipe as is.
- Low-Sugar: Swap the sugar with honey or a natural sugar substitute like stevia.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in julienned carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for a veggie-packed version.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
You can also enjoy similar recipes like this beef drunken noodles for more flavorful ideas.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the steak.
- Cutting Board: Keeps your prep mess-contained.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For seasoning and coating the beef.
- Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat, quick cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs: For easy tossing and stirring.
- Microplane Grater: Perfect for finely grating ginger.
How to Make Sesame Ginger Beef?
Step 1: Prep Your Beef and Veggies
Start by slicing the skirt steak into thin ¼-inch strips. Don’t skip patting it dry with paper towels; this ensures a good sear. Season it with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, then coat it evenly with cornstarch. For the veggies, trim the green beans and have them ready.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
Heat 1 teaspoon of canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the green beans and cook for about a minute. Add two tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and steam for another minute. Once done, set them aside and wipe the skillet clean.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Turn the heat to high and add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the skillet. When the oil is just starting to smoke, add the beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until it’s nearly cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Stir in garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sugar. Mix everything quickly to coat the beef evenly in the sauce. The aroma at this stage is to die for!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss the green beans back into the skillet and combine them thoroughly with the beef and sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately over a bed of rice or noodles.
Credit: dinnerly
Tips for Perfecting Your Sesame Ginger Beef
- Use Fresh Beef: If you can, avoid frozen beef; the texture is always better with fresh slices.
- High Heat is Key: A hot skillet ensures tender beef with an excellent sear.
- Prep Everything First: This is a quick recipe, so measure and chop all your ingredients before starting.
- Taste and Adjust: The sauce should balance sweet, salty, and tangy. Adjust sugar or vinegar based on your preference.
You might also enjoy pairing it with a dish like roast beef tenderloin for a hearty dinner spread.
How to Serve This Recipe?
Presentation matters. Serve your sesame ginger beef on a platter with a light sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. For added color and contrast, use a white plate and pair the dish with steamed jasmine rice or wide rice noodles. A side of pickled cucumbers or kimchi complements the meal perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 22 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
- Restoring Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to freshen it up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons!
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up thanks to the single-skillet approach.
- Packed with Flavor: The balance of sesame, ginger, and soy sauce is chef’s kiss.
- Nutritious: Provides a great balance of protein, veggies, and carbs.
With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, this sesame ginger beef recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Fry up, dig in, and savor every bite! For more inspiration, check out this beef recipe collection to explore other creative ways to cook beef.