Beef stir fry is a quick and colorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With tender beef, crunchy veggies, and tasty sauce, it’s a flavor-packed meal!
This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days. I love tossing in extra veggies for crunch because, honestly, who can resist a vibrant plate? 🥦🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or flank steak because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thin. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider chicken breast or shrimp as substitutes.
Sauces: Soy sauce is a must for that umami flavor! If you’re avoiding gluten, tamari works well. Oyster sauce adds depth, but if you want a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness; maple syrup is a good sub if you don’t have it.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a nice thickness. If you’re out, you can substitute with flour, although it may not thicken as nicely.
Vegetables: The bell peppers and onion give great color and crunch. Feel free to mix in other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots, depending on what you like or have on hand!
Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty touch. If you don’t have any, chop some nuts or skip it entirely. Green onions are great for freshness but can be skipped if you prefer.
How Can I Achieve Tender Beef In A Stir Fry?
Tender beef is key to a great stir fry, and marinating helps a lot. Mix the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15 minutes before cooking. This short marination time adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- Always slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
- Cook the beef in a hot skillet but don’t overcrowd the pan. You want that nice quick sear, so you might need to do it in batches.
How to Make Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked jasmine or white rice, to serve
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beef stir fry takes about 15 minutes of preparation and around 10 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Mix everything together well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This will help make the beef tender and flavorful!
2. Preparing the Sauce:
While the beef is marinating, grab a small bowl and mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce (if you’re using it). Stir well and set it aside for later.
3. Cooking the Beef:
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Then, sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma!
5. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the sliced onions and the red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them to keep some crunch!
6. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens a bit.
7. Final Seasoning:
Give everything a taste, and if you think it needs a little more flavor, add some salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Serving:
Serve your beef stir fry hot over a bed of cooked jasmine or white rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for that extra crunch and flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful, colorful beef stir fry!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the beef with chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything in advance! Slice the beef and vegetables, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours to keep everything fresh. Just stir-fry when you’re ready to eat!
What Can I Serve with Beef Stir Fry?
This stir fry pairs perfectly with jasmine or white rice. You can also serve it over noodles, or for a low-carb option, try it over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables!
