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This easy Sesame Beef Stir Fry is bursting with flavor and comes together in no time. You can serve it tossed with authentic ramen noodles, spooned over steaming rice, or tucked into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
If you love Chinese takeout, you already know how irresistible a good sesame beef recipe can be. But here’s the secret: this homemade version is just as delicious, ready in about the same time it takes for delivery to arrive, and made with fresh, wholesome ingredients you control. Think tender strips of beef, coated in a rich sesame beef sauce, stir-fried to perfection. Comfort food, but on your terms.
What Makes This Sesame Beef Work
The magic of this Sesame Beef Stir Fry is all in the balance; tender slices of beef quickly seared so they stay juicy, paired with a bold sesame beef sauce that’s equal parts savory, sweet, and nutty. Using high heat for a quick stir fry locks in the flavor while keeping the vegetables crisp and fresh.
Instead of the heavy, oily versions you sometimes get with takeout, this sesame beef recipe uses just the right amount of oil and fresh aromatics to create that signature flavor without weighing the dish down.
What Goes Into This Sesame Beef
A quick marinade and a flavorful stir fry sauce are the heart of this Sesame Stir Fry Beef, bringing tender beef and crisp vegetables together in perfect harmony. These key ingredients make all the difference:
- Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly over high heat.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger infuse both the marinade and the stir fry sauce with fragrant, authentic flavor.
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami to the beef without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sesame Oil and Seeds: The nutty aroma and subtle crunch give this sesame stir fry beef its signature character.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Sesame Beef
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and add the flank steak. Toss to coat well and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Shake off marinade and cook steak in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Work in Batches: If needed, cook the remaining steak in batches so it sears instead of steams. Transfer all cooked steak to a plate and keep warm.
- Stir Fry the Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Stir fry snow peas, carrots, and green onions for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp tender.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk broth, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper. Return steak to pan, pour sauce, and cook.
- Finish and Serve: Toss everything to coat evenly in the sesame beef sauce. Stir in cooked ramen noodles if using, or serve over rice or in lettuce cups.
This Sesame Beef Stir Fry is delicious with Zucchini (Zettuccine) Carbonara for a veggie twist, Lamb and Chickpea Salad for something fresh, or Maple Grilled Peaches & Almond Cookie Crumb for a sweet finish.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak also work well, just slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Marinating with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil for at least 15 minutes helps break down the fibers and lock in flavor.
Snow peas, carrots, and green onions are classic, but bell peppers, bok choy, or broccoli make great swaps.
Sesame Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
BEEF MARINADE
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp Chinese 5 spice
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
STIR FRY
- 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
- 1 cup snow peas sliced in half across
- 1/2 cup carrots sliced
- 8 green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 Tbsp honey or light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp garlic minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients in bowl and add flank steak. Set aside 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in large skillet over MED HIGH heat. Remove excess marinade from steak and cook in a single layer, for 2-3 minutes, stirring to cook both sides. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to do this in batches. Remove steak to plate.
- Heat remaining 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, then add peas, carrots and green onion and cook stirring often, 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk together broth, soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, fresh ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Add steak and sauce to skillet, stirring to combine. Sauce will thicken.
- Stir in cooked ramen noodles if using, and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Very good! I didn’t have 5 Spice, and it still tasted yummy.