Sesame Beef Stir Fry (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

Name: Sesame Beef Stir Fry (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce, low-sodium (or coconut aminos ); 1 Tablespoon brown sugar (or sugar-free alternative); 3 garlic cloves (minced or pressed); 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger (grated; or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger); 1 Tablespoon canola oil (or avocado or vegetable oil); 1 pound beef strips (sirloin, top round or flank steak cut into thin strips); 2 cups carrots (cut into matchsticks or sliced thin); 6 ounces snow peas (strings removed); 1/2 cup green onions (sliced, white and green parts); 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

This easy sesame beef stir-fry has tender beef, crisp carrots and snow peas in a flavorful ginger soy sauce, topped with sesame seeds. Everything cooks in one skillet in just 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Sesame beef stir fry with carrots, snow peas, green onions, and sesame seeds served over cauliflower rice on a red plate.

Notes from my kitchen

When I'm craving Asian-inspired flavors, this simple stir-fry recipe with beef and veggies gets dinner on the table fast.

A fresh ginger soy sauce lightly glazes everything without cornstarch or the thick, sticky coating you find in some takeout versions. Just a drizzle of toasted sesame oil intensifies the flavor.

I go heavy on the vegetables in my version, too. Carrots and snow peas make it a meal on its own. But I usually spoon it over roasted cauliflower rice to add even more veggies and keep it light and low-carb.

Marjory

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this sesame beef stir-fry recipe:

Of special note:

Beef strips - Top round, sirloin, and flank steak are all good options. Sirloin is naturally tender, while top round is a budget-friendly choice. Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain for the most tender results. Chill the beef in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. You can also buy pre-cut stir-fry beef to save time.
Soy sauce - Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Coconut aminos are a soy-free alternative, while tamari is a gluten-free option when labeled gluten-free.
Fresh ginger and garlic - These aromatics give the sauce its fresh, savory flavor. I prefer freshly grated ginger, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
Brown sugar - Just one tablespoon balances the salty soy sauce without making the stir-fry overly sweet. You can use a brown sugar substitute, such as monk fruit sweetener, to reduce the added sugar.
Carrots and snow peas - Cut the carrots into thin matchsticks so they cook quickly. Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and other stir-fry vegetables are easy substitutes.
Toasted sesame oil - This gives the dish its signature nutty sesame flavor. Add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma. Use a neutral oil, such as canola or avocado oil, to brown the beef.
Sesame seeds - Toasting the sesame seeds makes the flavor even nuttier.

The recipe card below includes ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.

How to make sesame beef stir-fry with vegetables

Mix the ginger soy sauce

Homemade ginger soy stir fry sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger mixed in an orange bowl.

Brown the beef

Thin strips of beef browning in a large skillet on the stovetop.

Stir-fry the vegetables

Snow peas and julienned carrots cooking in a skillet with ginger soy sauce until crisp-tender.

Combine and finish

Sesame beef stir fry with thinly sliced beef, bright green snow peas, and carrots tossed together in a large skillet.

FAQ

Can you make sesame beef stir-fry without a wok?

Absolutely! A large skillet with 1- to 2-inch sides works just as well. The key is to give the beef and vegetables plenty of room to make contact with the hot pan. Cook the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause it to steam instead of brown.

Can you use frozen vegetables in sesame beef stir-fry?

Yes! A frozen stir-fry vegetable blend is an easy shortcut that saves chopping time. Add the vegetables directly to the hot skillet without thawing and cook until heated through and any excess moisture has evaporated. Then add the ginger soy sauce so it doesn't become watered down.

What to serve with sesame beef stir-fry

This veggie-packed stir-fry is satisfying on its own, but it's also delicious over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or noodles. The ginger soy sauce adds plenty of flavor to whatever you serve underneath.

For something cool and refreshing, pair it with my 4-ingredient cucumber rice vinegar salad. Another delicious option is Napa cabbage salad with crunchy ramen noodles, toasted almonds, and sesame dressing.

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📋 Recipe

More Easy Takeout-Inspired Dinners

Spicy Orange Chicken — Tender chicken and vegetables tossed in a sweet, tangy orange sauce with just the right amount of heat. Ready in about 25 minutes.

Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl — All the savory flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper! Shrimp, cabbage, and carrots come together in one skillet for an easy, low-carb dinner.

Notes from my kitchen

Ingredients