Hereβs a Β recipe for a Sticky Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry with Crisp Veggies & Sesame, bursting with bold flavors, balanced sweetness, and a touch of heat β just like your favorite takeout, but better!
π₯’ Sticky Sweet Ginger Beef Stir Fry with Crisp Veggies & Sesame
π Prep Time: 20 minutes
π³ Cook Time: 15 minutes
π½οΈ Serves: 4
π Ingredients:
For the Beef:
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500g (1 lb) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Pinch of black pepper
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
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1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
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3 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
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1/4 cup water
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1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Vegetables (choose 3β5 of these):
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1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
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1 cup snap peas or snow peas
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1 small carrot, julienned
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1 small zucchini, halved and sliced
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1 small red onion or 3 green onions, sliced
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
Other:
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2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame), divided
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1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
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Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
π¨βπ³ Instructions:
πͺ 1. Prep the Beef
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In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper.
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Let it marinate for 10β15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.
π₯£ 2. Make the Sticky Sauce
In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together:
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1/3 cup soy sauce
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3 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tbsp grated ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp sriracha (optional)
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1/4 cup water
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1 tsp cornstarch
Set aside.
π₯ 3. Prep the Veggies
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Slice all veggies thinly so they cook fast and stay crisp.
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Have everything ready β stir fry moves quickly!
π³ 4. Sear the Beef
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
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Add beef in a single layer (do it in batches if needed). Cook 2β3 minutes until browned and just cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
π₯ 5. Stir Fry the Veggies
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Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
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Add the harder veggies first (e.g., carrots, broccoli) and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
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Add softer veggies (e.g., bell pepper, zucchini, onions) and stir-fry another 2β3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
π― 6. Add Beef & Sauce
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Return beef to the pan.
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Pour the sauce over everything.
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Stir and let it bubble for 2β3 minutes, until thick and glossy.
π± 7. Finish & Garnish
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Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
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Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh cilantro.
π Serving Suggestions:
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Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
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Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.
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For crunch: top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews.
π Variations:
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Make it vegetarian: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh.
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Add pineapple: For tropical sweetness.
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Make it spicy: Add extra sriracha or red pepper flakes.