Sesame Beef
Tender strips of beef seared until caramelized, then glazed in a savory-sweet sauce with nutty toasted sesame. This quick stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Slice the beef and make the marinade.
1.Thinly slice 500g beef steak against the grain into strips about ¼-inch thick.2.Combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 pinch each of salt and black pepper in a bowl.3.Add beef strips, toss to coat well, and set aside for 10 minutes at room temperature.TIPPartially freezing the beef for 20 minutes makes slicing paper-thin strips much easier. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk together the stir-fry sauce.
1.Combine the remaining 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar in a small bowl.2.Stir in ¼ cup water and the remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth with no lumps.3.Set the sauce aside near the stove. - fry · ~4 min
Sear the beef in batches.
1.Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.2.Add half the beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 minute until deeply browned.3.Flip and cook 30 seconds more, then transfer to a clean plate.4.Repeat with remaining 1 tbsp oil and the second batch of beef.TIPDon't crowd the pan — searing in batches gives the beef a caramelized crust instead of steaming it. - saute · ~3 min
Cook the garlic, ginger, and broccoli.
1.Reduce heat to medium-high. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch grated ginger to the same wok.2.Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 200g broccoli florets.3.Cook for 2 minutes, tossing frequently, until broccoli turns bright green and is slightly tender. - simmer · ~2 min
Combine everything and glaze the beef.
1.Give the sauce one more stir and pour it into the wok.2.Bring to a bubble and let it thicken for about 30 seconds.3.Return the seared beef and any juices back to the wok.4.Toss continuously for 1 minute until the beef is fully coated and glossy. - garnish
Finish with sesame seeds and green onions.
1.Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the beef.2.Toss once to distribute, then remove from heat. - serve
Serve immediately over steamed rice.
TIPA drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil at the table wakes up the nutty flavor.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Partially freeze the steak for 20 minutes to get razor-thin slices against the grain.
- 2Sear beef in a single layer over high heat — never crowd the pan for a true caramelized crust.
- 3Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden, shaking often, to maximize nuttiness.
- 4Give the cornstarch slurry a final whisk just before pouring to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- 5Cook broccoli just until bright green and tender-crisp so it retains texture in the final dish.
- 6Leftover sesame beef keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in a hot wok to restore glaze.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb / keto
Substitute brown sugar with a monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of steamed rice.
spicySpicy
Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce for a fiery kick.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace beef with extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) or thick slices of king oyster mushrooms for a meaty texture.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
extra veggieExtra veggie
Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots along with the broccoli for more color and crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron and Protein
Beef provides high-quality protein and heme iron, which supports muscle repair and oxygen transport in the body.
Ginger Aids Digestion
Fresh ginger contains gingerol, a compound known to reduce nausea and support healthy digestion.
Broccoli Loaded with Vitamin C
This cruciferous vegetable is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, promoting immune health and gut function.
Garlic Supports Heart Health
Garlic has been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels thanks to its sulfur compounds.
Frequently asked questions
Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef more tender and easier to chew, especially in a quick stir-fry.



