Sesame Beef

Sesame Beef is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender slices of beef coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and nutty sesame sauce. Inspired by Chinese takeout classics, this recipe delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavors with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The beef is quickly stir-fried until golden and crisp around the edges, then tossed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, it’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and umami.

This dish is incredibly versatile and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Pair Sesame Beef with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sesame Beef is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious recipe that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout—but better! The beef is tender and flavorful, thanks to a light coating of cornstarch that locks in the juices and helps the sauce cling to each piece. The sesame sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty, with a hint of spice if you like. Best of all, the recipe is highly customizable—you can adjust the sweetness, spice, or add vegetables for a healthy twist. With minimal prep and simple steps, this dish is approachable for beginners and rewarding for experienced cooks.

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 390
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

For the sesame sauce:

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for umami)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

For garnish:

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the flank steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
2. Place the beef in a bowl and toss with the cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), oyster sauce (if using), and water.
2. Set the sauce mixture aside. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Sesame Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and reduce the heat to medium.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Sauce

1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated.
2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the Sesame Beef with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
2. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables. Enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Flank Steak

Flank steak is the ideal cut for this recipe, as it’s lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly. When sliced thinly against the grain, it becomes tender and easy to chew. Sirloin or skirt steak are excellent alternatives if flank steak isn’t available.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is a key ingredient in the sauce, providing a nutty, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish. Toasted sesame oil is preferred for its bold, rich taste.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce forms the savory base of the sesame sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce prevents the dish from becoming overly salty.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the nuttiness of the sesame oil. It also helps create a caramelized glaze that coats the beef beautifully.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch serves two purposes: it creates a light, crispy coating on the beef when fried, and it helps thicken the sauce to a glossy consistency.

Technique Tips

1. Slice Thinly: For tender beef, cut thin slices against the grain. Partially freezing the steak for 10-15 minutes can make slicing easier.
2. Hot Pan for Searing: Use medium-high heat and ensure the skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps create a golden, crispy crust.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in small batches to maintain a sear and prevent steaming.
4. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice level as needed.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Sesame Beef Stir-Fry: Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the skillet for a colorful and nutritious dish.
• Sesame Beef Bowls: Serve the beef over rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables and a drizzle of extra sesame sauce.
• Sesame Beef Wraps: Spoon the beef into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Additional Tips for Success

• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This enhances their nutty flavor.
• Use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor and aroma.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Sesame Beef: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sesame sauce for an extra kick.
2. Honey Sesame Beef: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a slightly lighter sweetness and a floral note.
3. Vegetarian Sesame “Beef”: Substitute the beef with seitan, tofu, or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure the hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Sesame Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use leaner cuts of beef or chicken for a lower-fat option.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
• Reduce the sugar in the sauce and add extra vegetables for a more balanced dish.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Dinner Party Main Course: Serve Sesame Beef family-style on a large platter with steamed jasmine rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.
• Potluck Favorite: Double the recipe and present the beef in a slow cooker set to “warm” for easy self-serve at gatherings.
• Asian-Inspired Meal: Pair Sesame Beef with egg rolls, dumplings, or wonton soup for a complete takeout-inspired feast.

Special Equipment

• Sharp knife for slicing the beef thinly
• Large skillet or wok for stir-frying
• Tongs or chopsticks for flipping the beef during cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak are great alternatives to flank steak.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Cook the beef and combine it with the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

3. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
While sesame oil is key to the flavor, you can substitute it with a neutral oil like vegetable oil and add extra sesame seeds for flavor.

4. How do I make the dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil or sriracha to the sauce.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are excellent additions.

6. How do I prevent the beef from sticking?
Use a nonstick skillet or ensure your pan is hot and oiled before adding the beef.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double the ingredients and cook the beef in batches to ensure even searing.

Conclusion

Sesame Beef is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender slices of beef coated in a nutty, savory-sweet sauce, this recipe delivers the bold flavors of takeout with the freshness of homemade cooking. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try this easy recipe today, and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite!

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