Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir-Fry with Caramelized Onions
This vibrant Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir-Fry combines the rich flavors of marinated flank steaks with sweet caramelized onions and aromatic ginger. Inspired by Mark Bittman’s culinary style, this easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner but elevated enough to impress guests. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal. Feel free to swap in lamb, chicken, or shrimp, making it flexible enough for any protein lover. Enjoy this delightful dish in less than 30 minutes!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
soy sauce
1/4 cup (None)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
sugar
2 teaspoons (None)
flank steaks or tender beef cut
12-16 ounces (Thinly sliced)
salt
to taste (None)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons (None)
onions
3 medium (Thinly sliced)
garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
fresh ginger
4 teaspoons (Minced)
scallion
for garnish (Chopped)
toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by thinly slicing the beef against the grain; for better results, freeze the meat for 15-30 minutes before slicing. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until it smokes, about 3-4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of dark sesame oil to the pan followed by the sliced onions. Stir immediately, then continue cooking, stirring every 30 seconds until the onions soften and start to char, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle them with a little more salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping the heat high.
5
Add the remaining tablespoon of dark sesame oil to the hot pan. Stir in the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of the minced ginger, allowing them to become aromatic, for about 20 seconds.
6
Immediately add the marinated beef to the pan. Stir constantly, cooking until the beef loses its pink color, roughly 1-2 minutes. Then, add the caramelized onions back into the pan and mix well.
7
Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of minced ginger over the stir-fry and cook until the liquid evaporates and the flavors meld together, about another minute.
8
Serve the stir-fry hot, garnished with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds, over a bed of rice to complete your meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
10g
Carbs
16.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish that combines marinated flank steak with sweet caramelized onions and aromatic ginger for a quick, flavorful meal.
What cut of beef is best for this stir-fry?
Flank steak is recommended, but any tender beef cut suitable for high-heat cooking will work well.
How can I slice the beef thinly?
For the best results, slice the meat against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
Why should I freeze the beef before slicing?
Freezing the meat for 15-30 minutes firms it up, making it much easier to achieve thin, uniform slices.
What are the key flavors in this recipe?
The dish features a savory and aromatic blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, dark sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger.
Can I use other proteins besides beef?
Yes, this recipe is flexible and allows for swaps like lamb, chicken, or shrimp.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This recipe is designed to be completed in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick dinners.
What should I serve with Ginger-Sesame Beef Stir-Fry?
It is traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
How do I caramelize the onions for this dish?
Cook thinly sliced onions in sesame oil over high heat, stirring every 30 seconds until they soften and start to char.
What oil is recommended for this stir-fry?
Dark sesame oil is used for both its high smoke point and its deep, nutty flavor.
Can I substitute the dark sesame oil?
While dark sesame oil provides the best flavor, you can use toasted sesame oil or a neutral oil if necessary.
How much protein is in this beef stir-fry?
Each serving contains approximately 16.25 grams of protein.
What is the calorie count per serving?
This recipe contains approximately 180 calories per serving.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of a medium-bowl mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.
How long does the beef need to marinate?
The beef can marinate briefly while you prepare the other ingredients like onions, garlic, and ginger.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
To make it gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the hot pan.
How much fresh ginger is required?
The recipe calls for a total of 4 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger.
When is the ginger added during cooking?
Three teaspoons are added with the garlic, and the final teaspoon is sprinkled over at the end to brighten the flavor.
How do I know when the caramelized onions are done?
They are ready after 4-5 minutes when they have softened and developed a visible char.
What heat level should I use for the wok?
Use high heat; the skillet or wok should be hot enough to smoke before you begin cooking.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
Because it is sliced thinly, the beef only takes about 1-2 minutes to cook until it is no longer pink.
Can I add more vegetables to the stir-fry?
Absolutely. While onions are the focus, you can add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 medium onions, which should be thinly sliced.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Finish the dish with chopped scallions and 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but the fresh ginger provides a mild, aromatic warmth.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the pan?
Only cook the garlic for about 20 seconds before immediately adding the marinated beef to the pan.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger is highly recommended for its texture and zing, but you can use ground ginger in a pinch.
Why is it important to slice beef against the grain?
Slicing against the grain breaks up tough muscle fibers, resulting in much more tender pieces of meat.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, its short ingredient list and fast cooking time make it an ideal choice for a quick and impressive weeknight meal.