Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Beef Stir-Fry is packed with flavor, color, and nutrients. The beef is cooked until tender, while the vegetables stay crisp and fresh, creating a perfect balance of textures. The stir-fry sauce is a delicious combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little bit of sweetness, making every bite satisfying. It’s a simple yet versatile recipe, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking by adding more vegetables or switching up the seasonings.

Ingredients

For the stir-fry:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For serving:

• Cooked rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice (optional)

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

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients:

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips. Prepare the vegetables: slice the bell peppers, onion, and garlic, and grate the ginger.

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and set aside.

2. Make the stir-fry sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and the dissolved cornstarch (if using). Stir well and set aside.

3. Stir-fry the beef:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Cook the vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Combine the beef and sauce:

• Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.

• If you used cornstarch, you’ll notice the sauce thickening as it heats up. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

6. Serve:

• Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

• Serve your Quick Beef Stir-Fry over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, or zucchini to the stir-fry.

• Spicy version: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce.

• Different protein: Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.

• Low-carb version: Serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice or simply on its own for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Quick Beef Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it for a quick reheat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. Thinly slicing the beef is key to getting a tender result, so it’s best to freeze the beef partially to make slicing easier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While stir-fries are best fresh, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to cook, stir-fry the beef and vegetables and add the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and make sure to use gluten-free oyster sauce (or omit it if you prefer). You can also check the hoisin sauce ingredients to ensure it’s gluten-free.

How do I know when the beef is cooked through?

Beef stir-fry cooks quickly, so the key is to slice the beef thinly and cook it over high heat for just 2-3 minutes. It should be browned and no longer pink inside, but be careful not to overcook it.

Conclusion

Quick Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, flavorful, and customizable dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze. The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce creates a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of delicious flavor. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir-fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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