Savory Sesame Beef: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this delectable Sesame Beef recipe! Tender slices of beef, coated in a sticky-sweet and savory sesame sauce, served over fluffy rice or noodles – it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, with options for adjusting the sweetness, spice level, and even the vegetables you incorporate. Get ready to experience a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Beef Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and ginger creates a complex and irresistible flavor profile.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, spice, and vegetables to suit your preferences.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Both adults and kids love this flavorful dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. Don’t worry if you need to make a few substitutions – the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

• Beef: 1 pound of flank steak, sirloin steak, or skirt steak. Flank steak is a great option for its flavor and tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce. This is the base of the savory sauce. You can use regular soy sauce, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid it being too salty.
• Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil. This adds a nutty and fragrant flavor that’s essential to the dish.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons of honey. This adds sweetness and helps to create a sticky glaze. You can substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar if needed.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. This adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors.
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic is a must for adding depth of flavor.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger adds a warm and spicy note. You can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add these for a touch of heat.
• Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, for garnish. These add a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
• Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish. These add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking the beef.
• Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving. Choose your favorite type of rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice) or noodles (udon, soba, or egg noodles).
• Optional Vegetables: Broccoli florets, bell peppers (sliced), snap peas, or carrots (sliced). Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Sesame Beef:

1. Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Beef: Place the flank steak (or your chosen cut) on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain. This will help to tenderize the beef and make it easier to chew. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, in the refrigerator. This will help to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps of cornstarch.

3. Cook the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
2. Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes per side, until it’s browned and cooked through. If you’re using a wok, you’ll need to stir-fry the beef constantly. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook Vegetables (Optional): If you’re adding vegetables, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add your chosen vegetables and stir-fry them for 3-5 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Combine and Simmer

1. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
2. Return the Beef and Vegetables: Add the cooked beef and vegetables (if using) back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
3. Simmer: Simmer for another minute or two, until the beef and vegetables are heated through and the sauce is glossy.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Serve the Sesame Beef over cooked rice or noodles.
2. Garnish: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade Sesame Beef!

Tips for the Best Sesame Beef

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. This breaks down the muscle fibers and makes the beef easier to chew.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooking the beef will make it tough and dry. Cook it quickly over high heat, just until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Use Toasted Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil has a richer, more intense flavor than regular sesame oil. It’s worth seeking out for the best flavor in this dish.
• Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy to this dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are all great options.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sesame Beef recipe is very adaptable. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Chicken or Pork: Substitute the beef with chicken breast or pork tenderloin. Slice the chicken or pork into thin strips and follow the same cooking instructions.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube it and pan-fry it until golden brown.
• Brown Sugar: Replace honey with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Spicy Sesame Beef: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
• Sesame Noodles: Serve the Sesame Beef over sesame noodles for a complete and flavorful meal.
• Peanut Sauce: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty, Asian-inspired twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Make sure to check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: The classic way to serve Sesame Beef is over a bed of fluffy rice. Jasmine rice, basmati rice, and brown rice are all great options.
• Over Noodles: Serve it over your favorite type of noodles, such as udon, soba, or egg noodles.
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add extra stir-fried vegetables to your plate for a more complete and nutritious meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the Sesame Beef in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing appetizer or meal.
• As a Salad Topping: Use it as a topping for a green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
• With Spring Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover Sesame Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the Sesame Beef in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin steak or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Can I freeze Sesame Beef?

Yes, you can freeze Sesame Beef, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.

Enjoy Your Delicious Sesame Beef!

This Sesame Beef recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let us know how you liked it!