Beef Stir Fry Recipe

This Beef Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful stir-fry sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes and is loaded with protein, fiber, and savory flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir Fry Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This stir fry cooks up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: Tender beef and crisp veggies are coated in a savory sauce with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables or add your favorite proteins to make it your own.
• Healthy & Balanced: This stir fry is full of lean protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome and nutritious meal.

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Key Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry

1. Beef

• Use tender cuts of beef like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

2. Vegetables

• A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas works well, but you can use any vegetables you have on hand like onions, mushrooms, or zucchini.

3. Soy Sauce

• Soy sauce is the base of the stir-fry sauce, adding salty umami flavor to the dish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.

4. Garlic & Ginger

• Fresh minced garlic and ginger give the stir fry a punch of aromatic flavor.

5. Hoisin Sauce or Oyster Sauce

• Hoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory depth to the stir fry. Oyster sauce is another great option if you prefer a richer, more umami-forward flavor.

6. Cornstarch

• Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and gives the beef a velvety texture when stir-fried.

7. Sesame Oil (Optional)

• A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the savory sauce.

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How to Make Beef Stir Fry

This beef stir fry recipe is simple, flavorful, and comes together in just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Slice 1 pound of flank steak (or your preferred cut of beef) into thin strips, cutting against the grain. In a small bowl, toss the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

• In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar or honey, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

• Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your choice of vegetables, such as 1 cup broccoli florets, 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 carrot (sliced thin), and 1/2 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender, then remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

• In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting it sear before stirring. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine & Cook

• Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything and toss to coat. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, thickening slightly. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) for extra flavor.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove from heat and serve the beef stir fry over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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Tips for Making the Best Beef Stir Fry

1. Slice Beef Thinly

• For tender beef, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This helps to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.

2. Marinate for Tenderness

• Tossing the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking helps tenderize the meat and gives it a velvety texture.

3. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables

• Stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to retain their vibrant color and crunch. Overcooking can result in soggy vegetables.

4. Cook in Batches

• If your skillet or wok is small, cook the beef and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets a good sear.

5. Serve Immediately

• Stir fry is best served right away while the vegetables are crisp and the beef is tender. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so serve it immediately for the best texture.

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Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Beef Stir Fry

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Garlic Beef Stir Fry

• Increase the garlic in the recipe to 4-5 cloves for a bold, garlicky flavor.

3. Honey Garlic Beef Stir Fry

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the sauce for a sweet and savory honey garlic flavor.

4. Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

• Use thinly sliced beef, and add 1/4 cup brown sugar to the sauce for a rich, caramelized Mongolian beef version.

5. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Use only broccoli florets for a classic beef and broccoli stir fry. Add a little extra soy sauce to the sauce if needed.

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FAQs: Beef Stir Fry

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Beef?

• Yes! You can use sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak instead of flank steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

2. Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?

• Stir fry is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by slicing the beef and vegetables and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store leftover beef stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

4. Can I Freeze Beef Stir Fry?

• Yes! You can freeze the cooked stir fry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.

5. What Can I Serve with Beef Stir Fry?

• Serve beef stir fry over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also pairs well with a side of egg rolls or a simple salad.

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