Beef Stir Fry

Beef stir fry is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy evenings, cozy family meals, or warming up on chilly nights. Tender strips of beef cook quickly with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, making it a balanced, satisfying option. I like tossing everything together in one pan for a fuss-free, weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together in minutes.

a colorful plate of beef stir fry 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This beef stir fry is incredibly versatile and friendly for home cooks of all levels. It’s packed with flavor yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. You can adjust the vegetables, swap sauces, or double the recipe for leftovers. It’s budget-conscious, cozy, and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. The tender beef combined with crisp vegetables creates a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting, while the fast cooking time keeps stress low. Save this recipe for a quick dinner that feels like a treat without the effort.

a colorful plate of beef stir fry

Ingredients

Tip: Use sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking beef.

  • 1 lb (450g) beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
beef stir fry ingredients on a white

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Slice the beef thinly across the grain for tenderness. Wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic. Keep everything ready before you start cooking so the stir fry goes quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear until lightly browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove beef from pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add onion, bell peppers, broccoli, and garlic to the pan. Stir and cook until vegetables are just tender but still crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Return beef to the pan, pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water, and stir everything together.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry. Stir and let simmer 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Check seasoning and adjust with black pepper or extra soy sauce if needed. Serve hot for best taste.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Beef stir fry cooks in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights or quick lunches. You can prep vegetables in advance or use frozen broccoli for speed. Leftovers reheat well, making this dish practical for meal prep. Even on hectic days, you can enjoy a homemade, satisfying dinner without stress.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slicing beef: Always cut across the grain for tenderness. Avoid thick slices—they take longer to cook and can become chewy.
  • Vegetable texture: Don’t overcook vegetables. Quick, high-heat cooking keeps them crisp and colorful, enhancing flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin, simmer a little longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken gently.
  • Stirring technique: Stir constantly but gently to avoid bruising vegetables. This keeps colors vibrant and prevents beef from overcooking.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Swap sirloin for ribeye for richer flavor. Reduce cooking time slightly to avoid toughness. Serve with rice for a filling family meal.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh. Press tofu well and pan-fry first for a golden, chewy texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Ingredient swap: Try snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms in place of bell peppers. Adjust cooking time so vegetables remain tender-crisp.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Add fresh ginger, chili flakes, or a handful of fresh cilantro at the end for a punchy, aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Rice: Serve over steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice for a simple, family-friendly meal.
  • Noodle Bowl: Toss stir fry with cooked rice noodles or udon for a cozy, hearty dinner.
  • On Lettuce Wraps: Spoon beef stir fry into crisp lettuce leaves for a light, casual meal.
  • Meal Prep Bowls: Divide into containers with cooked quinoa or rice and store for weekday lunches.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible to maintain crisp vegetable texture.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave gently to avoid soggy vegetables.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked stir fry in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prep vegetables and slice beef in advance. Keep all components separate and stir fry quickly when ready to eat.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Rest Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 320–380 per serving
Protein: 28–32g per serving
Key nutrients: Iron, vitamin C from peppers and broccoli
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prep vegetables and slice beef beforehand. Stir fry quickly when ready to eat.

Likely sliced too thick or overcooked. Slice thinly across the grain for tender results.

Yes, chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh all work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Simmer a little longer or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water to thicken.

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This beef stir fry is a cozy, weeknight-friendly dish that’s easy to make and easy to love. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a simple savory sauce, it’s flexible enough to adjust to your pantry or family preferences. Save it, remix it, or serve it with rice or noodles—this recipe is a reliable, comforting option for any night of the week.

Beef Stir Fry
Print

Beef Stir Fry

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Beef Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Tender beef and crisp vegetables cooked quickly in a savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth

Directions

  • Slice beef thinly across the grain. Chop vegetables and mince garlic.
  • Heat oil; sear beef 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
  • Stir fry vegetables 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender. Add beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water.
  • Drizzle sesame oil, simmer 1–2 minutes, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

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