Beef Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Stir Fry is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. The tender beef strips are stir-fried with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and onions, creating a delicious contrast in both taste and texture. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, coats everything perfectly, and it’s all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir fry is a versatile, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great choices), thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a sweeter option)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

• 1/2 cup water or beef broth

Directions

Preparing the Beef and Vegetables:

1. Slice the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. This will ensure the beef is tender and easy to chew. For best results, slightly freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thin slices.

2. Prep the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Set everything aside.

Making the Sauce:

3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, red pepper flakes (if using), and water (or beef broth). Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set the sauce aside.

Cooking the Stir Fry:

4. Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

5. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Combine the beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir the sauce again and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.

Serving:

Serve the beef stir fry over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add more vegetables to the stir fry, such as snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn, depending on what you have on hand.

• Spicy Stir Fry: Add a sliced fresh chili or increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce for more heat.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free to make this dish gluten-free.

• Beef and Tofu: For a vegetarian option, you can replace some or all of the beef with tofu for a plant-based meal.

• Beef and Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, add pineapple chunks to the stir fry when adding the beef back to the pan. The sweetness will balance nicely with the savory sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, , or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you use. For example, chicken or a few more minutes to cook through, while shrimp cooks quickly.

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

While stir fry is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to save time during the cooking process. The beef can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 1 day before reheating.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! You can use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Can I make this stir fry with brown rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great, healthier alternative to white rice. Just make sure to cook the brown rice ahead of time since it takes longer to cook.

What can I serve with Beef Stir Fry?

Beef stir fry pairs well with steamed white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Beef Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies without taking up too much time in the kitchen. The customizable ingredients and flavors make it versatile, so you can adjust it to suit your tastes. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir fry will quickly become a staple in your meal planning rotation.

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