Description
This 30-minute beef stir fry recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast. Tender strips of beef are combined with crisp, colorful vegetables in a savory sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to your favorite Asian restaurant. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup, this restaurant-quality dish will quickly become your go-to recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Beef and Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (for extra tender beef)
- For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/3 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more as needed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or sliced diagonally
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, ends trimmed
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 2 stalks green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Beef:
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Tip: Partially freezing the beef for 20-30 minutes makes it easier to slice thinly.
- In a medium bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator) while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey/brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved with no lumps. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and cut all vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list.
- Arrange them on a plate or cutting board in the order you’ll add them to the wok (hardest vegetables first).
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1/2 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
- Let the beef sear for 30 seconds without stirring, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked.
- Remove beef from the wok and set aside on a clean plate.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil if needed.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions and carrots, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add the snap peas and continue stir-frying for 1 minute. The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not soggy.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the beef to the wok with the vegetables.
- Give your sauce a quick stir (as the cornstarch may have settled), then pour it into the wok.
- Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Add green onions and toss to combine.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender results. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers.
- The secret to restaurant-quality stir fry is cooking at high heat and working quickly. Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing rather than steaming.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the beef for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- You can use frozen vegetables, but thaw them first or add directly to the wok and expect to cook slightly longer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: 30-minute beef stir fry recipe, quick beef stir fry, easy beef stir fry, beef and vegetable stir fry, weeknight dinner, asian beef recipe, quick dinner