Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef stir fry recipe is a crowd-pleaser for multiple reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, taking only a few minutes to prepare and cook. The beef becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables maintain their crispness, creating a satisfying texture. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings creates a savory, umami-packed sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Plus, it’s customizable—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add heat with chili peppers if you like a bit of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pan and add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry and add it to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian stir fry.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the stir fry to increase the heat.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely for a low-carb meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make beef stir fry tender?
To ensure the beef is tender, slice it against the grain and avoid overcooking it. Marinating the beef briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch can also help tenderize it.
Can I use frozen vegetables in stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, though fresh vegetables will retain more texture and flavor. If using frozen, just make sure they’re thoroughly thawed and drained before cooking.
What type of beef is best for stir fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are all great choices. They are tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the stir fry sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can slice the beef and prep the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the stir fry fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
How do I thicken stir fry sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the stir fry and cook until thickened.
Can I add noodles to this stir fry?
Absolutely! Stir fry over cooked noodles, such as rice noodles or udon, for a heartier meal.
How do I make this stir fry spicy?
Add red pepper flakes, fresh chilies, or a few dashes of sriracha sauce for heat. Adjust the amount to your personal taste.
What sides go well with beef stir fry?
Beef stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple salad or steamed dumplings.
Can I use a different sauce for the stir fry?
You can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, black bean sauce, or a homemade stir fry sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Conclusion
This beef stir fry is an easy, quick, and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer it spicy, with noodles, or a different type of sauce, this recipe is versatile and perfect for busy days when you want something both delicious and healthy.
Print
Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 20min
- Yield: 4servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef Stir Fry recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of beef, sautéed vegetables, and a savory sauce come together in just 20 minutes. Versatile and packed with bold flavors, this dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or made spicy with chili peppers. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook the beef in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to coat the beef and vegetables.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with tofu or tempeh.
- Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.
- Customize the vegetables to your liking, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 10min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
