This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that combines tender beef with colorful veggies. It’s all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
I love how fast this dish comes together; you can enjoy a hot dinner in no time. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ll feel like a kitchen pro! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak and sirloin are great options because they are lean and tender when cooked quickly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp to suit different diets.
Vegetables: Broccoli, red, yellow, and green bell peppers add a nice crunch and color. Feel free to mix in other veggies like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand!
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and flavor depth. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a healthy alternative.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a lovely zing. If you don’t have it, ground ginger can work, but fresh is best for that vibrant flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Beef is Tender and Juicy?
Getting tender beef is all about the slicing and cooking method. Here’s how:
- Always slice beef against the grain to break up muscle fibers, making it more tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while stir-frying; this ensures the meat sears rather than steams.
- Cook the beef just until browned, then remove it from the pan temporarily. It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it later.
Using these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, juicy beef in your stir fry every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy beef stir fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick 25-minute dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain, which helps it stay tender. Once sliced, set the beef aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Then, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce and set it aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and place it on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the sliced onions, minced garlic, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still have a nice crunch.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking:
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and evenly coats both the beef and vegetables.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
Give your stir fry a taste and add salt or black pepper as needed. Then, garnish with the chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Serve:
Pour your delicious beef stir fry over servings of warm, cooked white rice and enjoy your meal hot!
This delightful recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and comes together quickly for a satisfying dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are recommended for their tenderness, you can use cuts like ribeye or even ground beef. Just remember that cooking times may vary, especially for ground beef.
How Can I Make This Stir Fry Healthier?
For a healthier version, consider using less oil, adding more vegetables, and opting for low-sodium soy sauce. You could also serve it over brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for added fiber.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the beef and chop the vegetables in advance. Store the beef separately from the vegetables and sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to eat!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for best results, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to retain moisture.
