This easy beef stir fry is quick and packed with flavor! Tender beef strips are cooked with colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli in a tasty sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken or tofu as a substitute.
Soy sauce: This is essential for seasoning. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos, which work great!
Oyster sauce & hoisin sauce: While optional, they add depth to the flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can skip them or use mushroom sauce instead.
Vegetables: The combination of broccoli, bell peppers, and green beans brings color and crunch! Feel free to mix other veggies like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.
How Can You Ensure Tender Beef in Your Stir Fry?
Tender beef is key to a great stir fry. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Slicing: Always slice the beef against the grain. It makes a big difference in tenderness.
- Marinating: Let the beef sit in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 10 minutes. This enhances flavor and helps in tenderness.
- High Heat: Use a hot skillet or wok. This cooks the beef quickly and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Too much in the pan at once will steam it instead of searing it.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious, tender beef stir fry every time!
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your beef stir fry in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple marinade helps to tenderize the beef and add flavor. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is just browned but not cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This step adds wonderful depth to your stir fry!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced onions, red bell pepper, broccoli, and green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them nice and colorful!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce if using, along with 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth. Stir everything together well.
6. Finish Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and veggies nicely. Keep stirring to make sure everything is heated through and flavorful.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste for seasoning and add salt or pepper as needed. Serve your delicious stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Now you have a colorful, flavorful easy beef stir fry with tender meat and crisp vegetables ready to be enjoyed!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. For best results, thaw the beef overnight in the fridge. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be careful not to start cooking it.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute or add vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on how quickly they cook—tender-crisp is the goal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm it gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce, such as tamari, and check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it altogether. This way, you can enjoy your stir fry without the gluten!
