Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, colorful vegetables, all coated in a flavorful, savory sauce. Ready in minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love Beef Stir Fry for its speed, simplicity, and versatility. It is a great way to use fresh vegetables and can be easily customized to your taste. The stir-fry method ensures the beef stays juicy and the vegetables retain their texture. The sauce, rich with umami, ties everything together beautifully and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef (sirloin, flank, or tenderloin), thinly sliced
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
- Cornstarch (for thickening sauce, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and cornstarch if desired. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices and sear quickly until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Sweet twist: Stir in a spoonful of honey or hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory balance.
- Different vegetables: Use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- Noodle stir fry: Toss in cooked noodles instead of serving with rice.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. Stir-fry is not ideal for freezing as the vegetables may lose their crispness upon thawing.
FAQs
What is the best beef cut for stir fry?
Sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin work well because they cook quickly and stay tender.
How do I slice the beef for stir fry?
Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, though fresh vegetables provide a better texture. Thaw and drain frozen vegetables well before using.
How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?
Stir-fry over high heat and remove the beef from the pan as soon as it is browned.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What sides pair well with beef stir fry?
Steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles are classic accompaniments.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure other sauces are gluten-free.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook briefly until thickened.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu?
Yes, both chicken and tofu work well in place of beef.
How do I keep vegetables crisp in a stir fry?
Cook them quickly over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Beef Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that is perfect for busy evenings. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it is a versatile meal that is sure to become a household favorite.
PrintBeef Stir Fry
Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant, quick-cooking dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, colorful vegetables, all coated in a flavorful, savory sauce. Ready in minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef (sirloin, flank, or tenderloin), thinly sliced
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots, julienned
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
- Cornstarch (for thickening sauce, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and cornstarch if desired. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices and sear quickly until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Sweet twist: Stir in a spoonful of honey or hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory balance.
- Different vegetables: Use snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- Noodle stir fry: Toss in cooked noodles instead of serving with rice.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. Stir-fry is not ideal for freezing as the vegetables may lose their crispness upon thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg