Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Beef stir fry is a quick and versatile dish that offers a delicious way to enjoy tender beef and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This Easy Beef Stir Fry recipe combines tender beef slices with vibrant veggies, all tossed in a flavorful sauce, making it a family favorite. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Start by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips. This is crucial as slicing against the grain helps keep the meat tender. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat the beef evenly. This helps create a velvety texture when stir-frying. Let the beef sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the cornstarch to adhere properly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This sauce will be the backbone of your stir fry, giving it depth and flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit of beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more sugar for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Veggies: While the beef is marinating, wash and prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips, chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and trim the ends of the snap peas.
- Mise en Place: Gather all your ingredients in one place. Stir frying is a quick process, and having everything ready will make the cooking go smoothly.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. A well-heated pan ensures a good sear on the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot pan in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without moving it, allowing a nice crust to form. Then, stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is browned and just cooked through.
- Remove and Set Aside: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate. This prevents it from overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Add More Oil: In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let it heat up for a few seconds.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the veggies and keep them vibrant in color.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the Beef to the Pan: Once the vegetables are cooked, return the beef to the pan.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together using tongs or a spatula to coat the ingredients in the sauce evenly.
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the mixture cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the stir fry to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the beef stir fry hot over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside noodles. This dish is not only colorful but also packed with flavors and nutrients.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Beef Choices: Flank steak is a popular choice for stir fry due to its tenderness and flavor. However, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your stir fry with other vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and baby corn work well. The goal is to keep the colors vibrant and the textures crunchy.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also experiment with coconut aminos, which provide a soy sauce-like flavor without the gluten.
- Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce to your stir fry. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Serve with Noodles: Instead of serving over rice, toss your stir fry with cooked noodles for a complete meal. Rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti can work well.
Conclusion
This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a versatile and delicious dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to incorporate whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this beef stir fry is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the bold flavors and quick preparation of this classic dish, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Beef stir fry is a quick and versatile dish that offers a delicious way to enjoy tender beef and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This Easy Beef Stir Fry recipe combines tender beef slices with vibrant veggies, all tossed in a flavorful sauce, making it a family favorite. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound beef (sirloin, flank steak, or your choice), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. - Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. - Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. - Serve:
Remove from heat and serve the beef stir fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Garnish with sliced green onions.