Description
This 20-Minute Takeout-Style Sticky Sesame Beef recipe delivers a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender flank steak slices coated in a sticky, savory-sesame sauce with vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, shallots, and broccoli, this dish mimics your favorite takeout without the wait or extra calories. It’s easy to prepare and cooks quickly in a skillet, making it an ideal option for a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons chili paste (Gochujang recommended)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Cooking Fat and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter, ghee, or oil
- Sesame seeds for serving
- Green onions for serving
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a glass jar or bowl, whisk together tamari or soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, chili paste, toasted sesame oil, and sherry vinegar until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Season the thinly sliced flank steak with black pepper. Toss the beef with cornstarch (or flour) and garlic powder until each piece is evenly coated, which helps create a sticky, crispy crust when cooked.
- Sear the Beef: Melt butter, ghee, or oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef slices in an even layer, cooking undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a good sear.
- Cook Vegetables and Aromatics: Toss the beef pieces to turn, then add the sliced red bell pepper, shallots, chopped ginger, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, becomes glossy, and thoroughly coats the beef.
- Toss in Broccoli and Finish: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Remove from heat to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
- Serve: Serve the sticky sesame beef hot over steamed rice or your preferred grain. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain ensures tenderness.
- You can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili paste used.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the chili sauce is gluten-free.
- If you don't have sherry vinegar, rice vinegar can be a good substitute.
- Butter can be substituted with vegetable oil or ghee for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for an authentic takeout feel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian