If you are craving a quick, flavorful, and colorful dish, this Beef Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Featuring tender slices of beef flank steak and a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce that perfectly balances salty, sweet, and aromatic notes, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that tastes like it took way longer than it actually did. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family, this Beef Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create incredible flavors, and for this Beef Stir Fry Recipe, each component plays a vital role in building a dish that’s balanced in texture, color, and taste. From juicy, thinly sliced beef to crunchy fresh vegetables and a sauce that ties everything together, you won’t believe how easy it is to gather these essentials.
- Beef flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Bell peppers (mixed colors): They add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to make the dish pop visually and texturally.
- Broccoli florets: Provides a satisfying bite and a dose of green goodness.
- Carrots, julienned: Adds a hint of natural sweetness with a crisp texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami base that flavors the entire stir fry without overwhelming it.
- Sesame oil: Brings a toasty, fragrant aroma and richness.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Offers a sharp, zesty kick to brighten the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Used for cooking to get that perfect sear on the beef and to stir-fry the vegetables quickly.
How to Make Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by slicing the beef flank steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender once cooked. Chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces — this ensures every stir fry bite delivers a perfect balance of meat and crisp veggies. Taking the time to prep well here sets up the dish for quick cooking and great texture.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sugar. This combination forms a beautifully balanced sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with aromatic notes. Having the sauce ready before you start cooking means you can toss everything in right at the perfect moment.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Using a hot pan is essential to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and creating that slightly caramelized flavor that makes stir fry so crave-worthy. A wok helps with tossing, but a large skillet works just as well.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Place the sliced beef in a single layer in the hot pan and let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until it develops a nice brown crust. Flip the slices and cook for another minute. This method keeps the meat juicy and beautifully caramelized without overcooking or drying it out.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Next up, toss in the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp—this keeps maximum flavor and vibrant color intact. The quick cooking at high heat seals in freshness and crunch that contrasts deliciously with the tender beef.
Step 6: Combine with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the sauce to warm through for about 2 minutes. This final step melds all the flavors perfectly and creates that glossy, irresistible coating that makes this Beef Stir Fry Recipe stand out.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and transfer to plates or a serving dish without delay. For extra flavor, drizzle a little more sesame oil over the top. Serving this dish right away ensures the vegetables stay crisp, the beef stays juicy, and all the vibrant colors shine.
How to Serve Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish to the next level. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top. Both add a lovely crunch and fresh burst of flavor, making the presentation look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Beef Stir Fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter alternative, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or even noodles for a comforting twist. Steamed dumplings also make a fantastic accompaniment if you want to create a full Asian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your stir fry over a bed of fresh greens or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh take. You can also present it in small bowls topped with a fried egg for a hearty, satisfying meal. These creative ideas keep the dish exciting and customizable for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh vegetables, it’s best enjoyed within this window to maintain the crunch and flavor that make this Beef Stir Fry Recipe so delightful.
Freezing
While freezing stir fry is possible, the texture of some vegetables might change upon thawing. If you decide to freeze it, place cooled stir fry in a sealed freezer bag or container and consume within 2 months for best quality. Reheat carefully to preserve taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat to revive the crispness of the vegetables and ensure the beef stays tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the veggies soggy and the beef tough. A quick stir-fry reheating preserves the vibrant flavors this recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with sirloin or skirt steak. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness during quick cooking.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and increase the vegetables. Just marinate and cook the tofu like you would the beef to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes assembling the stir fry even quicker on a busy night.
What can I use if I don’t have sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a mild olive oil or peanut oil, but sesame oil adds that signature nutty flavor. If possible, try to keep some on hand for stir-fries like this one.
How spicy is this Beef Stir Fry Recipe?
This version is mild and approachable for all tastes. If you want to add heat, try including red chili flakes or fresh sliced chili when stir-frying the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir Fry Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture. It’s an everyday meal that feels special, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners, just like it did for me. So don’t hesitate—fire up your pan, gather those ingredients, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Stir Fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish combines colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots with a delicious homemade sauce, all cooked to perfection in a hot skillet.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
Sauce
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sugar until well combined to create a flavorful stir fry sauce.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Beef: Spread the sliced beef in an even layer in the hot pan and sear for about 2 minutes until nicely browned. Flip the beef slices and cook for an additional minute to ensure they are cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat all the ingredients and cook for about 2 minutes more until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Immediately transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sesame oil if desired for added flavor. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a very hot pan or wok to achieve a good sear and prevent steaming the beef.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for some heat.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added according to preference or seasonality.
