If you’ve ever craved a speedy, satisfying dinner that bursts with flavor and texture, then this Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender slices of beef with vibrant, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a dish that not only tastes amazing but comes together in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a delicious meal on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that pack a punch individually and shine beautifully together. Each component plays a crucial role: the beef gives the dish its hearty protein, the vegetables add crunch and color, while the sauce ties everything with a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: This ensures the beef remains tender and juicy after cooking.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami depth especially for marinating the beef.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Helps create a lovely velvety texture both in the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil: Perfect for quick, high-heat cooking without burning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh, pungent burst that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and a zesty kick.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Provides a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: A classic stir-fry vegetable that offers earthy notes and satisfying texture.
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of orange.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Gives a mild sharpness that mellows with cooking.
- Optional: mushrooms or snow peas: Choose your favorites to customize and add more complexity.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium): The base for the stir-fry sauce, balancing saltiness.
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water: Provides moisture and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Enhances the savory depth with a slightly sweet edge.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness and balances savory flavors.
- 1 tsp rice vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the sauce): Ensures the sauce thickens just right to coat the beef and veggies.
- Optional heat: chili flakes or sriracha: Perfect if you like a little spicy lift.
How to Make Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tenderizing the beef and infusing it with flavor. Toss your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil, making sure every slice gets an even coating. Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the marinade works its magic, tenderizing the beef and giving it that irresistible savory undertone.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
While the beef marinates, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth (or water), oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until silky smooth. This sauce is the heart of the dish, creating that glossy, flavorful coating for the stir-fry. Set it aside to be ready for when the veggies and beef are cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of your chosen oil in a hot wok or skillet to ensure a perfect sear. Add the beef in a single layer—crowding the pan causes steaming instead of searing, so if you need to, work in batches. Cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through, with a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
With the pan still hot, add the remaining oil and toss in the garlic and ginger first, letting their aroma bloom for about 30 seconds. Then add your colorful vegetables—bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, onion, and any extras you love like mushrooms or snow peas. Stir-fry everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender, offering a delightful contrast to the silky beef.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the beef to the pan and pour your prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything to coat well and let it cook for a minute or two until the sauce turns glossy and thickened, clinging beautifully to every bite. This finishing step brings all the flavors together with a luscious harmony you’ll want to dive into immediately.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon your Classic Beef Stir-Fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly sliced scallions for an extra touch of texture and color. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender, crunchy, salty, and slightly sweet that you’ll love coming back to again and again.
How to Serve Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this dish not just visually but also in flavor. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or add fresh scallions finely sliced to bring a mild oniony brightness. For a hint of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes does wonders without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
Classic Beef Stir-Fry shines when paired with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it over stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings make lovely accompaniments to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz up your presentation? Serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld delight. You can also pile it onto crispy wonton cups or serve alongside steamed bao buns for a fun fusion meal. The vibrant colors of the veggies and beef make it naturally inviting, so a rustic wooden board or bright plates showcase the dish beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and vegetables hold up well, and the sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful. Just avoid storing it with rice for best texture preservation.
Freezing
This Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe freezes nicely, making it great for meal prep. Cool the stir-fry completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the beef from drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too, but be sure to cover and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, other cuts like skirt steak or ribeye can also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?
Definitely! You can swap the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. Adjust cooking times accordingly and use vegetable broth in the sauce for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Why is it important to stir-fry on high heat?
High heat ensures that the ingredients sear quickly, locking in juices and flavors, instead of steaming and becoming soggy. It helps achieve that signature stir-fry texture—crispy veggies and caramelized beef.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
You can marinate the beef and slice the vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time. However, it’s best to stir-fry everything fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
What should I do if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thin, mix a little extra cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, then cook until it thickens. For sauce that is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and bring it back to desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe that’s bursting with flavor, quick enough for any night, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is a staple in so many kitchens. So grab your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a home-cooked meal that rivals any takeout spot. You’re going to love it!
Print
Classic Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This classic beef stir-fry recipe is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory, glossy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines simple ingredients like flank steak, bell peppers, broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce for a satisfying dinner that’s better than takeout.
Ingredients
Beef & Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- Optional: mushrooms or snow peas
Sauce
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Optional heat: chili flakes or sriracha
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: Toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth or water, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and optional chili flakes or sriracha until smooth. Set aside.
- Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, sliced carrot, onion, and optional mushrooms or snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Combine & thicken: Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the beef and veggies evenly.
- Serve: Serve the beef stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced scallions if desired for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly and always against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Ensure your pan or wok is very hot before searing to get a good sear without steaming the meat.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook beef in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper cooking.
- For extra tenderness, try velveting by adding 1 teaspoon baking soda to the marinade for 15 minutes, then rinse before marinating as usual.
