Sizzling Beef Stir Fry Recipe: A Weeknight Family Favorite

Mastering a delightful beef stir fry recipe can turn an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Packed with robust flavors, this dish promises to impress even the most discerning palates.

Tender strips of meat dance alongside crisp vegetables in a symphony of taste and texture.

Seasonings weave magic through each bite, creating a harmonious blend that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Quick and easy preparation means you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes.

Vibrant colors and enticing aromas will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor every delicious morsel.

Let’s embark on a flavor journey that will have you craving this stir fry again and again.

More Variations of Beef Stir Fry

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce sodium and keep it grain-free.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and cook using the same technique as the original beef recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. Double-check cornstarch packaging to confirm it's produced in a gluten-free facility.
• Spicy Asian Kick: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Include sliced Thai chili peppers or red pepper flakes during the vegetable stir-frying stage for additional spiciness.

FAQs

• Why marinate the beef?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The soy sauce and cornstarch create a protective coating that keeps the beef juicy and prevents it from becoming tough during high-heat cooking.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin, skirt steak, or tenderloin. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.

• What if I don't have oyster sauce?

You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce. The oyster sauce adds depth and sweetness, but the stir fry will still be delicious without it.

• How do I know when the beef is cooked properly?

Cook the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink in the center. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing and prevent steaming the meat.

Why This Beef Stir Fry Is a Weeknight Winner

• Master a delicious stir fry that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal within minutes, perfect for busy home cooks looking to level up their culinary expertise.
• Swap vegetables or protein based on what's available in your kitchen, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry contents.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single pan, reducing washing time and making meal preparation stress-free and efficient for weeknight dinners.
• Combine lean protein from beef with colorful vegetables, creating a balanced dish that delivers robust taste and essential nutrients in every delightful bite.

Ingredients for Quick and Flavorful Beef Stir Fry

• Flank Steak: Tender beef cut perfect for quick cooking.

• Broccoli: Crunchy green vegetable adding nutrition.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable providing sweet flavor.

• Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor enhancers for stir fry.

• Soy Sauce: Salty seasoning for meat tenderizing.
• Cornstarch: Helps create smooth coating on beef.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Savory base for stir fry sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Adds rich nutty flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Provides subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce for better coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking.

• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping for added texture.

How to Cook the Best Stir Fry at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Slice flank steak into thin strips.

Mix the meat with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl.

Let the beef soak up those delicious flavors for about 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep Veggie Powerhouses

• Broccoli into bite-sized florets
• Bell peppers into colorful strips
• Garlic into fine minced pieces
• Fresh ginger grated to release maximum flavor

Step 3: Sear the Beef to Perfection

Crank up a large wok or skillet with vegetable oil.

Cook beef in quick batches, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown crust.

The key is high heat and quick movement.

Transfer seared beef to a separate plate once done.

Step 4: Awaken the Vegetable Flavors

In the same pan, add a touch more oil.

Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, letting their aromas dance for about 30 seconds.

Add broccoli and bell peppers, stirring rapidly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.

Step 5: Create the Magic Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch

Blend until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return seared beef to the pan with vegetables.

Pour the sauce over everything, stirring to coat each morsel.

Let everything mingle and heat through for another couple of minutes.

Step 7: Final Flourish and Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch.

Serve piping hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Watch as everyone dives in with excitement!

Tips for Tender Beef and Crisp Veggies

• Marinate flank steak for at least 10 minutes to break down tough muscle fibers and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use a scorching hot wok or pan to achieve perfect sear on beef, creating delicious caramelized edges without overcooking.
• Stir-fry vegetables quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy or mushy.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to control sauce thickness – less for a lighter coating, more for a thicker, glossier finish.
• Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp to create versatile stir-fry variations that suit different dietary preferences.

Storing and Reheating Stir Fry Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover beef stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with rice to maintain best texture.
• Place stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating, about 3-4 minutes.

What to Serve with a Hearty Beef Stir Fry

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, spicy red like Syrah or Zinfandel that complements the robust beef and cuts through the stir fry's rich sauce.
• Enhance with Asian Beer: Choose a crisp Japanese lager like Sapporo or Asahi to balance the savory flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's intensity.
• Boost with Jasmine Rice: Serve the stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a subtle aromatic backdrop to the meal.
• Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top to introduce a fresh, sharp note that brightens the entire dish's flavor profile.

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef stir fry promises a culinary adventure that blends tender meat with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. Packed with authentic Asian flavors, this quick and easy dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to your dinner table, ensuring you savor every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the beef with robust flavors by tossing sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch, allowing the marinade to penetrate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. Prepare produce by breaking broccoli into delicate florets, julienning bell peppers, and finely mincing aromatic garlic and ginger.
3. Sear the marinated beef in a scorching hot wok with vegetable oil, working in batches to ensure each piece develops a golden-brown crust. Cook approximately 2-3 minutes until perfectly caramelized, then transfer to a holding plate.
4. Transform the same wok into a vegetable canvas by quickly sautéing minced garlic and ginger until their fragrance releases, approximately 30 seconds.
5. Introduce broccoli and bell peppers to the wok, stir-frying at high heat for 3-4 minutes to maintain a vibrant, crisp texture.
6. Craft a complex sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined and glossy.
7. Reunite the seared beef with the vegetables, cascading the sauce over the mixture and tossing vigorously to ensure complete coating.
8. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors and create a glossy finish.
9. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles.

Notes

• Achieve restaurant-quality tenderness by slicing beef against the grain, which breaks down muscle fibers and ensures maximum softness.
• Keep vegetables crisp by cooking them briefly at high heat, preserving nutrients and maintaining a vibrant, appetizing texture.
• Prevent sauce from becoming too thick by mixing cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to the hot pan, ensuring smooth and even coating.
• Accommodate dietary preferences by substituting soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version or using coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg