If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and tender beef, look no further than this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of satisfying textures and savory sauce that comes together in under an hour, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just stepping into your kitchen confidently, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Asian-inspired feast you’ll want to make on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and complexity. From the tender flank steak to the crisp fresh vegetables, each element contributes to a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so enjoyable.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness, used both for marinating and the stir fry sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps the marinade cling to the beef and creates a smooth, glossy coating when cooked.
- Cooking oil: Essential for high-heat frying to sear the beef and vegetables without sticking.
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch and vibrant green color, plus a dose of healthy fiber.
- Shredded carrots: Bring natural sweetness and bright orange hue to the mix.
- Snow peas: Their crisp snap adds refreshing texture.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweet, juicy flavor and eye-catching red color.
- Green onion: Used as a fresh garnish for a mild oniony kick.
- Brown sugar: Balances savory soy sauce with subtle caramel sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and aroma without overpowering.
- Ginger: Adds a zesty, spicy brightness that lifts the dish.
- Sesame seeds (toasted): Sprinkle on top for nutty flavor and a little extra crunch.
How to Make Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips, no thicker than half an inch to ensure every bite is tender and quick to cook. Toss these strips in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch inside a freezer bag or bowl. This combination not only marinates the beef with rich flavor but also tenderizes and helps create that glossy coating during cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the beef soaks up every bit of goodness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies
While the beef marinates, take a moment to wash and slice your vegetables. Having broccoli florets, shredded carrots, snow peas, and red bell pepper sliced and ready makes the cooking process smooth and fast. This prep ensures your veggies maintain their crisp texture and bright colors when stir-fried, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
To bring everything together, mix half a cup of soy sauce with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and a teaspoon of ginger in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe—balanced with sweetness, umami, and a touch of warmth that enhances every bite.
Step 4: Heat Your Pan
Get your wok or large skillet good and hot by heating 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over high heat. The high temperature is essential to achieve a quick sear on the beef and veggies, locking in juices and maintaining the crispness of the produce.
Step 5: Cook the Beef in Batches
To avoid overcrowding and steam instead of sear, cook half the beef for about 3 minutes until nicely browned, then remove it from the pan. Repeat with the remaining meat. This technique ensures that every strip is perfectly cooked with a tender center and a flavorful crust.
Step 6: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the broccoli, shredded carrots, snow peas, and sliced red bell pepper to the hot skillet. Stir fry them for around 2 minutes just until they are crisp-tender, so they keep their vibrant colors and crunchy texture that make this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe so enjoyable.
Step 7: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables and pour your prepared sauce over everything. Give it a good stir and let it heat through so that the sauce thickens slightly and coats every bite with savory sweetness.
Step 8: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, nutty crunch. These finishing touches add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 9: Serve It Up
Serve this beautiful Easy Beef Stir Fry over steamed rice or your choice of noodles to soak up all those delicious juices. It’s a colorful, wholesome meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding green onions and toasted sesame seeds at the end brightens the dish with fresh bites and crunchy textures. These little details make the difference between a simple meal and a memorable one, giving extra color and flavor that invite you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, steamed brown rice for a healthier alternative, or even simple egg noodles tossed with a tiny bit of sesame oil. A crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side also provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that adds a crisp freshness. Another idea is to use small bowls for a build-your-own stir fry bar, encouraging friends or family to customize their bowls with extra toppings like chopped peanuts, chili flakes, or fresh cilantro.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and veggies hold up well, though the sauce might thicken slightly—just give it a quick stir when reheating.
Freezing
While the vegetables may lose a bit of crispness, the beef stir fry freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the veggies from becoming soggy, but if you do, cover and heat in short intervals to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak can also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and the same sauce and vegetables work great for a plant-based version.
How spicy is this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a drizzle of sriracha to bring in some heat tailored to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef for up to 24 hours in the fridge ahead of cooking to deepen the flavor. Vegetables are best prepared fresh to keep their crispness, but you can have them sliced and ready the day before.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect substitute. For a lower sodium choice, try coconut aminos, which still provide that savory, umami kick without the extra salt.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is honestly a little treasure in the kitchen—quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect whether you’re feeding a family on a busy night or impressing friends for a casual dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to meals for satisfying, speedy dinners that hit the spot every time.
Print
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with nutrition and comes together in about an hour, delivering a delicious balance of protein and fresh veggies with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and crunch from toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain (½ inch thick, 2 inch long strips)
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green onion, sliced
Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Other
- 2 Tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: Slice the flank steak thinly across the grain into strips about ½ inch thick and 2 inches long. Place the beef in a freezer bag or medium bowl, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the beef marinates, wash and cut the broccoli into florets, shred the carrots, slice the red bell pepper, and wash the snow peas. Slice the green onion and set it aside for garnish.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the oil: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Allow the oil to get hot enough for frying, shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the beef in batches: Add half of the marinated beef to the hot skillet, spreading it out so it doesn’t crowd. Fry for about 3 minutes until the beef is browned and seared. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef. Cooking in batches ensures the beef sears properly instead of steaming.
- Cook vegetables: Add the prepared broccoli, shredded carrots, snow peas, and red bell pepper (excluding green onions) to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes over high heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the stir fry for fresh flavor and crunch.
- Serving suggestion: Serve this flavorful beef stir fry hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the beef with cornstarch helps it stay tender and gives a slight velvety texture when cooked.
- Do not crowd the skillet when frying the beef; cooking in batches ensures a good sear.
- Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve crisp vegetables and perfect beef texture.
- Feel free to swap or add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn according to preference.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- To keep this gluten-free, use tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
