This beef stir fry is quick and colorful, packed with tender beef and fresh veggies. It’s a tasty way to enjoy a meal that feels special without all the fuss!
You can whip this up in no time, and it’s perfect for busy nights. Just toss everything in the pan and watch the magic happen! I love serving it over rice for a cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Bell Peppers: I love using various colors for the visual appeal! If you can’t find all colors, any single color or a mix of two will work fine. You can also substitute with snap peas or broccoli for a different crunch.
Soy Sauce: To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Alternatively, you can use tamari if gluten-free. It’s a great way to adjust flavors without sacrificing too much taste.
Seasoning Sauces: Oyster and hoisin sauces bring depth, but if you’re vegetarian, try mushroom sauce instead! For sweetness, brown sugar can be replaced with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?
A key to a great stir-fry is cooking at high heat and keeping everything moving. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a nonstick skillet or wok for even cooking. Preheat it well before adding oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This ensures the beef sears instead of steams.
- Plus, make sure all ingredients are prepped and within reach. You’re going to work quickly!
- When you add the sauce, keep tossing so everything is well coated and the flavors fully combine.
With these tips, your stir-fry can be both quick and delicious! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make a Delicious Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating)
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnishes:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Beef Stir Fry recipe takes roughly 15-20 minutes to prepare, followed by about 10-12 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a flavorful and colorful meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Ensure the beef is well coated. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
While the beef is marinating, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, chili paste (if using), and beef broth or water in a small bowl. Stir well and set it aside. This sauce will bring great flavor to your stir fry!
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Let’s keep those flavors fully intact!
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. This will create a lovely aroma for your stir fry!
5. Add the Bell Peppers:
Now, toss in the sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but are still crisp. This vibrant mix not only tastes great but adds a pop of color to your dish!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the stir fry sauce and toss everything together to combine. It’s all coming together nicely now!
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce slightly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats all the ingredients well. This will give your dish a delightful texture.
8. Finish Up with Green Onions:
Add most of the sliced green onions to the skillet and stir well, saving some for garnish later. This will add a fresh onion flavor to your stir fry!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Beef Stir Fry is ready! Serve it hot over cooked white rice and sprinkle with the reserved green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Beef Stir Fry!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great options, you can also use ribeye, chuck, or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust cooking times if using ground beef, as it cooks faster.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to customize your stir fry by adding vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly depending on the firmness of the vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this stir fry gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is labeled as gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe should be good to go!
