This Easy Beef Stir Fry is quick to make and packed with flavor! It combines tender beef strips, colorful veggies, and a tasty sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how fast this meal comes together! Just chop everything, toss it in the pan, and in no time, dinner is served. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a yummy meal without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you want a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or peanut oil is great for high-heat cooking. If you’re avoiding these, try olive oil, though it has a lower smoke point.
Vegetables: I love the combo of onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and green beans. Feel free to mix in snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms based on what you have at home.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for flavor. The oyster and hoisin sauces add depth; if you don’t have them, just increase the soy sauce or add a bit of brown sugar for sweetness.
How Do I Get My Beef Tender with This Stir Fry?
Getting tender beef is key for a great stir fry. First, always slice against the grain. This shortens muscle fibers and makes the meat easier to chew. Here’s how:
- Start with slightly frozen beef, making it easier to cut thinly.
- Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Stir-fry quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking. Aim for about 2-3 minutes so it stays tender and juicy.
Following these tips will give you a delicious and satisfying beef stir fry every time!
How to Make Easy Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup green beans or snap peas, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy beef stir fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain. This makes it tender. Season the slices lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry. Mix well and set it aside for later.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips to the pan and stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until they are browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced onions, broccoli florets, green beans (or snap peas), and red bell pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and colorful.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to ensure all the beef and veggies are coated with the sauce.
7. Cook to Finish:
Let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the beef to finish cooking through.
8. Final Touches:
Drizzle in the sesame oil for added flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or soy sauce as needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired, and enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles!
This recipe is so flexible—you can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Yes! You can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can use any vegetables you enjoy! Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even baby corn work well. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce. Check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are also gluten-free, or omit them if necessary.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.