Sesame beef is a flavorful, savory dish that has become a favorite in many Chinese-American restaurants. The crispy beef is coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, a hint of sweetness, and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds makes this dish an irresistible treat.
The key to sesame beef is the crispy texture. The beef is coated with cornstarch, which helps it achieve a crunchy exterior when fried. This creates a perfect contrast to the tender, juicy interior of the beef, making each bite a delightful experience. The crispy beef is then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and savory, with a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the beef.
To finish, toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled over the dish, adding an extra layer of crunch and a subtle nuttiness. The sesame seeds not only enhance the texture but also bring a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory beef and sweet sauce. A sprinkle of green onions or red pepper flakes can also be added for a touch of freshness or heat, making the dish even more dynamic.
This beef is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. It’s often paired with steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce, or alongside sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers. The balance of flavors in beef makes it a great dish for both casual meals and special occasions.
Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with something flavorful and satisfying, sesame beef is a perfect choice. The crispy beef, rich sauce, and toasted sesame seeds come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and delicious, making it a go-to favorite in many households.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef flank steak sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 pieces green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned.
- If using, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry and add to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds and remove from heat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Serve with pasta.
Nutrition
Yall, I added bell peppers and it was lit 😍🔥 Definitely making again!
I don’t think soy sauce with brown sugar is a good idea… Seems off to me.
This recipe is super easy and tastes amazing! My family loved it!
Didn’t have sesame oil, used olive oil? 😬 Tasted okay but not the same.
This was okay, but too sweet for my taste. Might try less sugar next time.
I replaced beef with chicken and it was bomb! Just as good.
I used chicken instead of beef and it was still great! Just a suggestion for chicken lovers.
Tasted good, but is it really necessary to add sugar? I think it’s too sweet.
Sugar is a must for that balance! But if you don’t like sweet, just don’t add as much! No big deal.
I understand your concern! You can definitely reduce the sugar or even skip it. The soy sauce should give it enough flavor! 👍
The sauce came out a little too sweet for me—probably the brown sugar. I’d cut it in half next time.
Yeah, cutting the brown sugar makes sense—2 tbsp can definitely push it sweet. I usually start with 1 tbsp and adjust from there.
Not bad, but I think it could use more soy sauce. It was a bit bland for my taste.
I totally agree! A little more soy sauce would definitely enhance the flavor. I added an extra tablespoon and it was perfect for me!
Tried this and it was ok but I think it needed more seasoning. Salt? The flavor was kinda flat.
Why would you serve this with pasta? It’s beef! Should go with rice.
I was skeptical about the brown sugar, but it added a unique sweetness. Would recommend!
I’m glad you liked the brown sugar! It really does bring a nice depth to the dish. 👍
Absolutely loved this recipe! Turned out so delicious and easy to make. Will make again!
I tried it too! Came out great! Best recipe for a quick dinner.
Looks good, but is beef healthy? I don’t know if it’s worth the calories…
I tried it, but my beef was tough. Maybe I overcooked it?
I don’t know what went wrong but mine came out really tough. Maybe I overcooked the beef?
I don’t think it was just you. My friend said hers was chewy too. Maybe check the temp or cut the beef differently?
Overcooking can definitely make the beef tough! Try cooking it for a shorter time next time. I usually only do 2-3 mins on high heat. Good luck!
This sesame beef is superb! My family devoured it! Next time, I’ll try adding peppers for extra crunch.
I forgot to toast the sesame seeds and honestly it still tasted good, but I bet it would’ve been even better with toasting. Easy recipe though.
Totally agree—sesame seeds go from “nice” to “wow” once toasted. Glad it still worked for you though!
I always toast mine, but you’re right… the marinade smells so good I think it carries the dish even if you skip that step. Easy indeed.
I don’t know about adding pasta to this. It seems odd. Shouldn’t it be rice instead?
I made this but forgot the sesame oil. It was alright but I think it could’ve been better.