Stir-Fried Beef with Honey is a flavorful, quick-cooking dish that combines tender strips of beef with a glossy, sweet-savory honey glaze. This dish delivers a wonderful balance of umami, sweetness, and aromatic spices, perfect for serving with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love Stir-Fried Beef with Honey for its simplicity, speed, and bold flavor. It takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings, yet the dish tastes as if it took much longer. The beef stays juicy and tender, while the honey glaze caramelizes slightly, adding a delightful depth of flavor. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and pairs well with various sides.
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
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices in a single layer and sear quickly, about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned but still tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the honey-soy mixture over it.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicier version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.
- Vegetable addition: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Citrus twist: Use orange juice instead of vinegar for a sweet, fruity note.
- Low-sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to lower salt content.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. It is not ideal for freezing, as the glaze may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
What is the best beef cut for stir-frying?
Sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin work best because they cook quickly and remain tender.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu?
Yes, both chicken strips and firm tofu work well with the honey glaze.
How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
Stir-fry quickly over high heat and remove from the skillet as soon as it’s cooked through.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables are excellent accompaniments.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Allow it to simmer slightly longer, or add a small cornstarch slurry if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, simply use less honey or balance it with more vinegar or lime juice.
Can I add nuts for crunch?
Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts add great texture and flavor.
How do I slice the beef for stir-fry?
Slice against the grain into thin, uniform strips for the most tender results.
Conclusion
Stir-Fried Beef with Honey is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that brings together the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements. Ready in minutes and endlessly adaptable, it’s a reliable choice for a delicious weeknight meal that will satisfy the whole family.
PrintStir-Fried Beef with Honey
Stir-Fried Beef with Honey is a flavorful, quick-cooking dish that combines tender strips of beef with a glossy, sweet-savory honey glaze. This dish delivers a wonderful balance of umami, sweetness, and aromatic spices, perfect for serving with rice or noodles.
- 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
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Rice vinegar or lime juice (for balance)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices in a single layer and sear quickly, about 1-2 minutes per side, until browned but still tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the honey-soy mixture over it.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Spicier version: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.
- Vegetable addition: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Citrus twist: Use orange juice instead of vinegar for a sweet, fruity note.
- Low-sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to lower salt content.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the glaze may separate upon thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg