This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty takeout favorite made right at home! With tender beef, colorful veggies, and a yummy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone.
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love whipping it up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken breast or tofu as a substitute. Both work well and will soak up the flavors!
Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas are great choices, but you can switch things up! Carrots, zucchini, or snap peas can also add a nice crunch. Just use whatever is in your fridge!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give a lovely flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, jarred versions are convenient, but fresh is always best when possible!
Sauce: The sauce adds a ton of flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using just soy sauce or a mix of soy and teriyaki sauce. It may alter the taste slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Do You Achieve Tender Strips of Beef?
Getting tender beef is all about slicing it correctly. Always cut it against the grain, which helps break down the meat fibers. This makes each bite easier to chew. It helps if your beef is slightly frozen; it firms up and makes slicing easier!
- Use a sharp knife to slice the beef into thin strips.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking; this allows the beef to sear rather than steam.
- Let it rest a minute after cooking before adding it back with the veggies.
This technique will ensure your beef stir fry is mouthwatering every time!
Easy Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Beef Stir Fry takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes slicing the ingredients and mixing the sauce, and then it only takes about 20 minutes to cook everything in the pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. This method makes the beef more tender. Set the slices aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), rice vinegar, sugar, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together until well mixed and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced beef. Stir-fry it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. After that, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced onions, red and orange bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
Next, add the snow peas and bean sprouts (if you’re using them) to the pan. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring everything together well.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan. Stir quickly to incorporate it into the mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats everything nicely.
7. Serve:
Remove the stir fry from heat and serve it immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious and colorful Easy Beef Stir Fry!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Beef for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked beef! Just make sure to add it during the last few minutes of cooking the vegetables to heat it through without overcooking.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to swap out any of the listed vegetables for what you have on hand! Carrots, snap peas, zucchini, or bell mushrooms are great additions. Always aim for a mix of colors for visual appeal and flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure any sauces or broths you use are labeled gluten-free.
Can I Meal Prep This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat. It’s best eaten within 3 days for optimal taste.