If you are looking for a mouthwatering meal that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, then this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe will be your new go-to. It’s packed with tender, perfectly seared flank steak and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce with just the right touch of sweetness and a hint of ginger. This dish is a wonderful harmony of textures and tastes, making it both satisfying and exciting to eat. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests, so get ready to add a fresh favorite to your repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the balance of texture, color, and taste—whether it’s the beef for richness, the fresh vegetables for crunch, or the sauce that ties everything together into a delicious masterpiece.
- 1 pound flank steak: Choose well-marbled beef for a tender, juicy stir fry.
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to the marinade.
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the beef.
- 2 Tablespoons cooking oil: Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola for perfect searing.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provide vibrant color and satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Bring sweetness and texture to the mix.
- 1 cup snow peas: Offer crispness and a fresh snap in every bite.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds beautiful color and subtle sweetness.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Delivers a mild onion flare as a finishing touch.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Forms the base of the stir fry sauce with rich, salty flavor.
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with caramel undertones.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle but essential aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon ginger: Infuses the dish with warm, zesty brightness.
- 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted): Adds nuttiness and a delicate crunch as garnish.
How to Make Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain into strips about ½ inch thick and 2 inches long. This ensures tenderness and easy bite-size pieces. Toss the beef in a mixture of 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch, then set it aside to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the beef to soak up flavor and develop a silky coating for searing.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables
While the beef marinates, wash and prep the broccoli florets, shred the carrots, slice the red bell pepper, trim the snow peas, and slice the green onion. Organizing the vegetables ahead makes the cooking process smooth and quick, perfect for stir fry’s fast pace.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
Combine ½ cup soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and fresh ginger in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, creating a rich sauce that will bring everything together with a sweet-savory punch.
Step 4: Heat Your Pan
Set a large skillet or wok over high heat and add the cooking oil. Bringing it up to a high temperature fast is essential to get that beautiful sear on your beef and to sauté the vegetables just right.
Step 5: Cook the Beef in Batches
To avoid crowding (which causes steaming instead of searing), cook the beef in two batches. Sear the first half for about 3 minutes until browned and slightly crispy, then remove it and repeat with the second batch. This technique locks in juices and creates irresistible texture.
Step 6: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add all the vegetables except the green onions to the hot skillet. Toss and stir fry for about 2 minutes until they’re vibrant and just tender-crisp, keeping their fresh flavor and satisfying crunch.
Step 7: Combine and Sauce Up
Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Let it cook for an extra minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and veggies evenly.
Step 8: Add Garnishes
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry for that final pop of flavor, color, and texture. These little touches truly elevate the dish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe piping hot over a bed of noodles or fluffy rice. The combination makes for a complete, satisfying meal that feels both homemade and special.
How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only brightens the dish visually but also adds wonderful bursts of flavor and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a splash of lime juice can also elevate the stir fry for a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own, but pairing it with perfectly steamed jasmine rice or simple egg noodles complements the dish beautifully. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or a miso soup to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party idea, serve the stir fry family-style in a large colorful platter with separate bowls of rice or noodles. You can also present it in lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld version that adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the following day and tastes nearly as fresh as when first cooked.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Though fresh is always best, freezing maintains flavor and texture surprisingly well.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to keep it saucy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may make the beef a bit tougher and the vegetables lose their crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe?
Yes! Swap the beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or even hearty mushrooms like portobello. Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for the marinade if you want a lighter option, and follow the same cooking steps.
What can I do if I don’t have a wok?
A large, heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works just as well for stir frying. The key is to have a wide surface area to get a good sear and cook things quickly without crowding.
How can I make the sauce less salty?
Simply reduce the soy sauce slightly or add a splash of water or broth to dilute the saltiness. The brown sugar also helps balance the salt in the sauce.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef a few hours ahead or prep all your vegetables in advance. Having everything ready to go makes stir frying a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe has everything you want in a weeknight meal: quick prep, vibrant colors, and a symphony of flavors that meet comfort and excitement on your plate. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how satisfying homemade stir fry can be—your taste buds will thank you!
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 recipe features tender flank steak and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfectly marinated and seared, the beef pairs beautifully with crisp broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers, finished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Ready in about an hour, this dish is ideal for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate beef: Cut the flank steak thinly across the grain into strips no more than ½ inch thick and about 2 inches long. Place the beef in a freezer bag or medium bowl, add 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 2 tablespoons cornstarch, then toss to coat. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare vegetables: While the beef marinates, wash and cut broccoli into florets, shred the carrots, slice the red bell pepper, and slice the green onion. Set all vegetables aside for quick access during cooking.
- Mix 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. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering, ready for stir frying.
- Cook beef in batches: Add half the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and seared. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
- Cook vegetables: Add broccoli, shredded carrots, snow peas, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet, stir fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp yet still vibrant.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for a minute or two until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and garnish: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry for a fresh, nutty finish.
- Serve: Serve this delicious beef stir fry hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the beef; cook in batches to get a nice sear.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
- Adjust sugar in the sauce to taste for sweetness.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn based on preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option if desired.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry toast in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
