Sesame Ginger Beef

Sesame Ginger Beef is the kind of dish that satisfies every craving for something savory, sticky, and deeply flavorful. This quick stir-fry features thinly sliced beef that’s marinated in a vibrant blend of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness. Once seared in a hot pan, the beef develops caramelized edges and soaks in a glossy sesame-ginger sauce that clings to every bite.

It’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-style results in less than 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps—it’s a versatile, high-impact meal with minimal fuss.

For more quick and bold-flavored recipes, try this 4-Ingredient Orange Salmon or these crispy Korean Ground Beef Egg Rolls.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Beef & Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  

For Cooking & Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
  
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  
• 2 green onions, sliced
  
• Extra sesame oil, for finishing (optional)
  

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
  
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
  
• Total Time: 25 minutes
  
• Serves: 4
  

Equipment You Will Need

• Sharp knife and cutting board
  
• Mixing bowl
  
• Wok or large skillet
  
• Tongs or spatula
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  

How to Make Sesame Ginger Beef: Step-by-Step

1. Slice and Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Add the beef and mix to coat. Let marinate for at least 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

2. Sear the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Do not overcrowd the pan.

3. Finish with Sauce

Once all the beef is cooked, return it to the pan with any remaining marinade. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef. Remove from heat.

4. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Drizzle with a bit of extra sesame oil if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 340
  
• Protein: 30g
  
• Fat: 18g
  
• Carbohydrates: 14g
  
• Fiber: 1g
  
• Sugar: 7g
  
• Sodium: 680mg
  
• Cholesterol: 70mg
  

Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the marinade for heat.
  
• Use Other Proteins: This marinade works well with chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
  
• Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete stir-fry.
  
• Thicken Sauce: If the sauce doesn’t thicken enough, stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water and cook for an additional minute.
  
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store in portions with rice and steamed veggies for quick lunches.
  

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store cooled beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Freezer:
Freeze cooked beef in a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sesame Ginger Beef hits every flavor note: salty from soy, sweet from honey or brown sugar, nutty from sesame oil, and bright from ginger. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender with irresistible caramelized edges thanks to the quick stir-fry method. It’s faster and healthier than takeout and comes together with pantry staples in no time.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just cooking for yourself, this recipe brings bold flavor and satisfying texture to the table every time.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Sesame Ginger Beef countless times, and it always impresses. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly simple. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, and a quick sear in a hot pan creates that signature sticky glaze.

Pair it with rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or serve it over noodles—it’s endlessly versatile and always delicious. This is a weeknight staple in my kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye (trimmed) work well. Just slice thinly against the grain.

Can I marinate the beef overnight?
Yes, but no more than 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing from the soy and vinegar.

Is fresh ginger necessary?
Fresh ginger offers the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch.

Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—just increase all sauce ingredients proportionally. Great for saucier rice bowls.

What sides pair best?
Steamed jasmine rice, garlic noodles, sautéed bok choy, or roasted broccoli are great options.

If you’re looking for another quick and flavor-packed option, check out these 10-Minute Garlic Chili Oil Noodles.