Pass on the takeout and try this Beef With Garlic Sauce instead! Flavorful, quick, and super easy—you’ll want to make extra just so you can have seconds!
Just hearing the two words “beef” and “garlic” together instantly makes my mouth water.
While Chinese-American restaurants are usually praised for their General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork, or egg rolls, I always gravitate toward the stir-fried beef with garlic sauce.
When planning your dinnertime meals starts to feel like a chore and the thought of cooking overwhelms you, turn to this recipe. The entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, and the result is honestly better than takeout.
There’s just something about that thick, glossy sauce with its rich and intense flavor that just pairs so perfectly with strips of protein-packed beef. I like to have it with a portion of freshly steamed broccoli, and both the beef and the broccoli soak up all that delicious sauce.
Is Beef with Garlic Sauce Healthy?
Overall, this beef and garlic sauce recipe is relatively healthy. It features a good source of lean protein from the flank steak and healthy fats from the olive oil.
However, there are a few areas where you can make adjustments to improve its nutritional profile, should you wish to.
While reduced-sodium soy sauce is a good choice, it can still be high in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using coconut aminos as an alternative.
To increase the fiber and boost the nutritional content, add more vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the dish. You can also pair your stir-fry with brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat noodles for a complete and balanced meal.
Beef with Garlic Sauce Recipe Variations
While beef makes this dish hearty and savory, you can always substitute it for a healthier ingredient. Tofu, eggplant, or mushrooms can be used or added if you want more plant-based components, and chicken can be used as a cheaper and leaner option.
Make it paleo: If you need this recipe to align with the paleo diet, simply replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos.
Make it low-carb: This recipe is already an easy and tasty low-carb meal, just make sure you serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it low-carb!
Make it spicy: If you are a fan of heat, I suggest adding some sriracha or freshly sliced chilis to the garlic sauce, or adding some on top when you dig in!
How To Make Ahead And Store
This is the perfect pre-prepped lunch or dinner! Just spoon the beef and garlic sauce into portion-sized, airtight containers with some cooked rice and steamed broccoli. Seal the containers with their lids and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days until you’re ready to reheat them and enjoy! This dish will also freeze well, just make sure to label it with the date you made it and eat it within 3 months. To defrost, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious beef recipe is best served with side dishes that will allow its flavors to shine. That means keeping it simple!
I love to serve it over a steaming bed of Coconut Rice or Sushi Rice, although this Vegetable Fried Rice is also great on the nights when I have time to cook it!
For a bit of veg on the side, you can’t go wrong with steamed veggies that can soak up all the garlicky flavor from the sauce. My go-to’s are always Steamed Spinach, Steamed Zucchini, or Steamed Broccoli.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- garlic powder if desired (for garnishing)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Toss the beef with the cornstarch. Once the garlic is browned, add the beef to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce and sesame oil and cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Top with garlic powder (if desired) and DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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