This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a quick and tasty dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! With tender beef, colorful veggies, and a zippy sauce, it’s a hit for dinner.
I love how fast it comes together—just chop, cook, and enjoy. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that feels special but is so easy to whip up! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works well for tenderness. If you’re looking for a quicker cook, consider using pre-sliced beef from the store. Alternatively, chicken or tofu can be used for a different protein option.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is great for stir-frying, but sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty flavor. You can also try olive oil, although it’s not traditional for stir-fries.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers are classic choices. For a twist, you can use other colors like yellow or orange peppers, or even snap peas for added crunch.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds great texture. If you don’t have it, try using snow peas or asparagus, or even frozen mixed vegetables in a pinch.
Stir Fry Sauce: A mix of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces brings the flavor together. If you’re vegetarian, swap oyster sauce for mushroom-based sauce. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Slice Beef for Stir Fry?
Getting the beef just right is crucial for a tender stir fry. Always slice your beef against the grain. This means cutting across the fibers, which makes the meat easier to chew. Aim for thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
- Place the beef in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing; this firms it up and makes it easier to cut.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and avoid tearing the meat.
How Do I Keep My Vegetables Crisp in a Stir Fry?
To maintain that delightful crunch, cook your vegetables over high heat quickly. Stir-frying ensures they get tender yet stay vibrant. Here’s how:
- Prep all veggies before starting to cook!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the heat up and avoids steaming.
- Add harder vegetables, like onions and broccoli, first and softer ones last to avoid overcooking.
Now you’re all set for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s fast and full of flavor! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients:
- Beef: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Garnish: 2-3 green onions, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Serving Option: 1 cup cooked noodles or steamed rice (optional)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Time Needed:
This Easy Beef Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. So you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in just about 20 minutes!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, sugar, and black pepper. Set this tasty sauce aside for use later.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Next, add the onion, red and green bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, making sure the vegetables are tender but still crispy.
4. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give the sauce a quick stir to mix it together, then pour it over the beef and veggies. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
5. Serve it Up:
Take the pan off the heat and garnish your stir fry with the sliced green onions. Serve hot over cooked noodles or steamed rice if you like. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful, and easy beef stir fry!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing it into thin strips. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the sealed beef in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference! Aside from bell peppers and broccoli, you can use snow peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the type and size of the vegetables.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in increments, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce. You can also add extra veggies to make it heartier!
