I can’t remember what inspired me to make a sesame focused stir fry recently, but I’m so glad I did. There’s something about the subtle toastiness of sesame oil that works so well with beef. I’ve kept it simple here with just two sources of sesame flavour but you could easily up the ante… See the ‘triple sesame’ idea below.
Sesame Beef with Spinach
Ingredients
- 450 g ground (minced) beef
- 2-6 red chilli peppers small
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce or 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 bag baby spinach leaves
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds or tahini
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large frying pan on a very high heat. Add a little oil and then the beef and chilli. Cook, stirring frequently until the beef is well browned.
- Add oyster / soy sauce and spinach and cook for another minute or until the spinach is just starting to wilt.
- Remove from the heat. Taste season and serve with sesame seeds / tahini and sesame oil (if using) scattered / drizzled over.
Variations
vegan / vegetarian – replace beef with cooked lentils. And use a vegetarian ‘oyster’ sauce. They do exist.
triple sesame – serve with a drizzle of tahini.
tiny person friendly – serve the chopped chilli at the table for everyone to add their own. For more family-friendly ideas see my other blog, theyellowbench.com
sesame-free – skip the oil and seeds and serve the beef with a generous handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves.
no sesame oil or seeds? – you could just use one or the other or serve with a drizzle of tahini instead.
different veg – you can add pretty much any stir fry veg such as carrots, zucchini, snow peas, asparagus, broccolini, broccoli.
different meat – lamb is great or use any ground (minced) meat or poultry. If you’re not a fan of minced (ground) meat, use tender meat cut into slices for stir frying.
more substantial (carb lovers) – serve with steamed rice or rice noodles.
more Substantial (Low Carb) – add some cashews or macadamias.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
beef – freeze.
red chilli – will keep in the fridge for weeks or can be frozen.
oyster sauce – pantry or fridge once opened. Keeps for ages.
baby spinach – use for another meal or freeze.
sesame seeds, sesame oil – pantry.
Add to my Old Favourite Recipes
I am not very experienced with chilies, but I receive two jalape̱os in my most recent grocery delivery РWould those work here?
Yes jalapenos would be perfect – maybe just use one if you don’t like a lot of heat – you can always add more 🙂
Hi,Jules. Is red pepper flakes or cayenne the best substitute for red chili peppers? Thanks.
I think the flakes are closer in flavour (and look prettier) Paul
But cayenne will work as well – I’d start with less than you think you’ll need.
Great to hear from you! How have you been getting on in the kitchen?
Love this one, with either spinach or broccoli and garlic. Delicious and fast!
Yay Meredith! So glad you enjoyed it!
I never did find oyster sauce at the store but I did find clam juice so I added that. I also don’t buy chilies so I added a little siracha sauce instead. I’d probably add more siracha next time and a little less sesame seed.
Oops, I put the sesame oil right at the start to cook the mince…I hope it won’t be a problem…
Wouldn’t be a problem Edith.
You just might get some extra toasty flavours but that might be a good thing 🙂
I love this sesame beef with chilli recipe- so quick & easy, and tasty too. Wilting spinach has to be easiest way to get some greens in. I really love nights where I don’t have to chop much!
Great Julia!
I’m a huge fan of spinach to get a quick dose of greens without much effort too.
Jx