This beef stir fry delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and black pepper creates a rich and balanced sauce that clings beautifully to the beef and vegetables. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Plus, it’s made with pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a convenient and delicious option any night of the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
Bell peppers (red and green), sliced
Onion, sliced
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Oil (vegetable or sesame)
For the honey pepper sauce:
Soy sauce
Honey
Black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
Oyster sauce
Cornstarch (to thicken)
Water
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and water to create the honey pepper sauce. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Return the beef to the pan and pour in the honey pepper sauce.
Stir-fry everything together for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to give the sauce a kick.
Different protein: Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Add veggies: Try broccoli, snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Low-sugar version: Reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar-free alternative.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the vegetables and sauce can change.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
Sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak work best for stir fry. They’re tender and cook quickly when sliced thinly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Is the honey pepper sauce very sweet?
The sauce is mildly sweet with a strong peppery kick. You can adjust the amount of honey to taste.
Can I use pre-ground black pepper?
Yes, but freshly ground black pepper gives a stronger and more aromatic flavor to the sauce.
How do I get tender beef in stir fry?
Slice the beef thinly across the grain and don’t overcook it. A quick sear over high heat helps keep it tender.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely. If you like extra sauce with your rice or noodles, doubling the sauce works perfectly.
What’s a good side dish for this?
Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles work great. You can also serve it with a side of steamed or stir-fried greens.
Can I make this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, but the flavor will change slightly. You can substitute with hoisin sauce or an extra splash of soy sauce for a similar richness.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s not inherently spicy, but the black pepper gives it a warm, bold flavor. Spice can be added to taste.
Can I freeze beef stir fry?
It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture of the vegetables and sauce.
Conclusion
Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s quick to make and sure to impress. With its balance of sweet, savory, and peppery notes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner gatherings. Serve it hot with your favorite rice or noodles and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal that rivals your favorite takeout.
Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet peppery sauce. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving bold takeout-style flavor at home.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stir Fry
Cuisine:Asian
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
For the honey pepper sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, black pepper, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Return the beef to the pan and pour in the honey pepper sauce.
Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.Slice beef thinly across the grain for tenderness.Add more vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for extra nutrition.Double the sauce if serving with extra rice or noodles.Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or more soy sauce if needed.
