This Ginger Scallion Beef Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dish that brings together tender slices of beef, the warmth of fresh ginger, and the freshness of scallions in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying, aromatic, and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple, everyday ingredients with big flavor
Tender beef coated in a glossy, savory sauce
Easy to customize with different vegetables or spice levels
Delicious served over rice, noodles, or on its own
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
450 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola), divided
4 scallions, sliced into 4–5 cm lengths, whites and greens separated
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
60 ml beef broth or water
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Place the sliced beef in a bowl and toss it with the cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, beef broth, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
Add the green parts of the scallions, stir briefly, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for extra color and crunch.
Use chicken breast slices instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add a sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
Swap beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye all work well as long as they are thinly sliced against the grain.
Why is my beef tough?
Beef can become tough if overcooked or sliced with the grain. Make sure to cook quickly over high heat and slice properly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef a few hours in advance.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is mild. You can add chili or pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
What can I serve with ginger scallion beef?
Steamed rice, fried rice, or plain noodles pair very well with this dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the beef and scallions may change.
Can I reduce the saltiness?
Yes, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount to taste.
What oil works best for stir-frying?
Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or canola oil, are ideal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Do I need a wok to make this?
No, a large heavy skillet works just as well.
Conclusion
Ginger Scallion Beef Stir Fry is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this recipe is a reliable go-to for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ginger Scallion Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, aromatic ginger, and fresh scallions in a savory, glossy sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
450 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or canola), divided
4 scallions, sliced into 4–5 cm lengths, whites and greens separated
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
60 ml beef broth or water
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Place the sliced beef in a bowl and toss it with the cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add ginger, garlic, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, beef broth, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
Add the green parts of the scallions, stir briefly, and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra crunch.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor.
Cook beef in batches if doubling the recipe to avoid overcrowding the pan.
