This super easy sesame beef recipe is comprised of tender flank steak that’s stir fried with red peppers and green onions. Best of all, it tastes better and is healthier than takeout!

If you like making classic takeout recipes at home, then you’ve got to try my  Easy Beef Fried Rice and my Authentic Chicken Lo Mein!

overhead view of Sesame Beef in a skillet with peppers and green onions and sesame seeds

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    Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

    • Not a fan of beef? You can swap chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even extra veggies in this sesame beef recipe! They all pair well with that luscious sauce.
    • Slice the beef thinly. Cutting the flank steak against the grain into thin strips ensures tenderness. You can also freeze the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
    • High heat is the key. Use a very hot pan or wok to quickly sear the beef. This helps get that perfect caramelized crust without just steaming the beef.

    If you love this recipe then give my Mongolian Beef a try!

    Ingredients

    • Flank steak: You’ll need one pound of flank steak sliced against the grain (to optimize tenderness) into thin strips.
    • Dark soy sauce: This can be found in the International Isle in the grocery store or Asian supermarket stores.
    • Low-sodium soy sauce: Helps to keep the salt level down in this recipe.
    • Light brown sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the sauce!
    • Sesame oil: All you need is a little bit to add a nice toasted nuttiness to the sauce.
    • Garlic: I always love to use garlic in my stir frys!
    • Bell pepper: I used a red bell pepper however you can do a mix of colors
    • Cornstarch: Added with water the cornstarch thickens up the sauce.
    closeup of Sesame Beef in a white bowl with peppers and green onions and sesame seeds

    How To Make Sesame Beef

    1. Add both soy sauces, brown sugar and water to a medium bowl and stir to combine. Pour half of the sauce into another bowl and set aside. (We will be using this when we cook the beef). Add steak to the other 1/2 of the sauce and marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
    pouring soy sauce on top of flank steak in clear bowl
    1. When you are ready to cook add sesame oil to a large skillet or wok. Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove steak from marinade and sauté for about 1-2 minutes on each side. (You want the pan to be very hot so the steak cooks quickly and browns.)
    searing flank steak and garlic in skillet
    1. Add red bell pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add in the reserved sauce and bring to a simmer.
    adding sliced red bell peppers to sliced beef in skillet
    1. In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to pan. Continuously stir until sauce is thickened, about 1 minute.
    tossing steak in sauce
    1. Serve immediately with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish if desired.
    serving sesame beef in white bowl topped with sesame seeds and green onions

    Serving Suggestions

    closeup of Sesame Beef in a skillet with peppers and green onions and sesame seeds

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store leftover sesame beef?

    Store any cooled leftover sesame beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This is a great meal-prep recipe!

    You can also freeze this sesame beef fully cooked for a month, or raw with the prepared sauce and parboiled veggies for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing flat in a plastic storage bag to optimize storage space.

    Can I use a different cut of beef?

    Yes! Flank steak works best, but skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great alternatives. Just make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness.

    Can I add more vegetables?

    Absolutely! Try broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra crunch and color.

    If you like this recipe you will love my Beef Rice Recipe!

    closeup of Sesame Beef in a skillet with peppers and green onions and sesame seeds

    More Takeout Recipes To Make at Home

    Recipe

    Sesame Beef

    5 from 4 votes
    Super Easy Sesame Beef. Tender flank steak stir fried with red peppers and green onions. Better and healthier than takeout!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Serves 4
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    Email this Recipe

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      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • *NOTE: Prep time does not include marinating time*
      • Add both soy sauces, brown sugar and water to a medium bowl and stir to combine.
      • Pour half of the sauce into another bowl and set aside. (We will be using this when we cook the beef)
      • Add steak to the other 1/2 of the sauce and marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
      • When you are ready to cook add sesame oil to a large skillet or wok.
      • Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
      • Remove steak from marinade and saute for about 1-2 minutes on each side. (You want the pan to be very hot so the steak cooks quickly and browns.
      • Add red bell pepper and saute for 1 minute.
      • Add in the reserved sauce and bring to a simmer.
      • In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water.
      • Slowly add cornstarch mixture to pan. Continuously stir until sauce is thickened, about 1 minute.
      • Serve immediately with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish if desired.

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 26gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 834mgPotassium: 492mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 931IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 2mg

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