Easy 30 Minute Sesame Beef
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This sesame beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare. Made with tender flank steak and a savory-sweet marinade, it can be served over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.
You'll love my other Asian-style recipes, like these Korean beef noodles, sticky pomegranate chicken, sesame-baked chicken, and vegetable spring rolls.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: Marinade infuses beef with a rich blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Versatile: Can be served over rice, noodles, or with a variety of vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that can be adjusted to suit all palates.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Flank Steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty flavor and aroma.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess.
- Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic: Enhances the dish with aromatic depth.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
- Sesame Seeds: For texture and additional nutty flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the beef.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Easy 30 Minute Sesame Beef recipe step-by-step
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove beef from the marinade, shaking off excess, and reserve the marinade. Cook the beef in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Remove the cooked beef and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering marinade. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
📖 Substitutions and variations
For a fresh take on this recipe, try these easy tweaks. They add new flavors and bringing variety without having to learn a whole new meal.
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
- Vegetable Additions: Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Substitute honey with brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Spicier Version: Add red chili flakes or Sriracha for a kick of heat.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Marinade Time: Let the beef marinate longer (up to 30 minutes) for more intense flavor.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the beef in batches to prevent steaming and ensure even browning.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch for a thicker or thinner sauce based on preference.
- Resting Time: Let the cooked beef rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place the beef in a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can prepare the beef and marinade ahead of time, then cook when ready to serve.
Yes, sirloin or ribeye can be used as alternatives to flank steak.
Yes, you can substitute honey with brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust the amount to taste.
You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn. Just make sure to slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Easy 30 Minute Sesame Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off excess marinade, and reserve the marinade for later use.
- Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering marinade.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Add the sesame seeds and chopped green onions, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Serve the sesame beef hot over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the flank steak is thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
This is just my perfect kind of meal. So easy, full of colour and flavour.
Thanks so much Caroline. It's so simple and became a definite winner at my house!