There’s something incredibly satisfying about a vibrant, hearty stir-fry that comes together in a flash, and that’s exactly what this Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe delivers. With tender slices of flank steak, crisp vegetables, and a luscious sauce that perfectly marries savory and slightly sweet flavors, this dish is the ultimate weeknight hero. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into easy dinners, this recipe brings texture, color, and bold taste all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients work beautifully together to create a stir-fry that’s anything but basic. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavor, giving the dish its colorful appeal, and ensuring every bite has that satisfying balance of tender beef and crisp veggies.
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced against the grain: This cut stays tender when cooked quickly and sliced properly.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the beef for a luscious texture.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce divided: Adds umami depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Provides subtle sweetness and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a distinct hint of fragrant, tangy sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided: For high-heat cooking to quickly sear the beef and veggies.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Adds sharp, aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated: Brings a bright, zesty kick that awakens the palate.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Offers vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds crunch and green freshness.
- 1 carrot thinly sliced: Contributes a subtle sweetness and vivid orange hue.
- 1 small onion sliced: Introduces a mellow, slightly sweet bite.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Enhances savory richness and helps build the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and seasoning balance.
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Provides a subtle crunch and nutty accent.
How to Make Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by tossing those thinly sliced flank steak pieces with cornstarch and a tablespoon of soy sauce. This simple step ensures the beef gets a glossy, velvety coating and helps it brown beautifully. Cooking it in a hot skillet or wok for just a couple of minutes per side locks in juices while giving you that irresistible caramelized surface.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once your beef is out of the pan, add the remaining vegetable oil, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cooking these just for 30 seconds until fragrant sets the stage for your vegetables to shine without overpowering the dish. The aroma flooding your kitchen here is downright addictive.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the colorful bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot slices, and onion to the pan. Stir-frying these just until crisp-tender ensures you get a perfect balance of softness with a lively crunch that contrasts delightfully with the beef. This quick cooking preserves the veggies’ bright colors and fresh flavor.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Finish Cooking
Whisk together the leftover soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour this magic mixture over your beef and vegetables, then toss everything together. Cooking it for another few minutes thickens the sauce beautifully, coating each ingredient with a glossy, flavorful finish.
How to Serve Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes like sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. They add freshness, eye-catching contrast, and a touch of nuttiness that elevates the whole dish from everyday to restaurant quality.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles, soaking up every bit of that savory sauce. You can also try it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option or alongside a crunchy Asian-inspired slaw.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in individual lettuce cups for a light, handheld main dish. Or plate it over quinoa or crispy wonton strips if you’re entertaining and want to surprise your guests with something a little different yet familiar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef and veggies will stay tasty and tender for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe again without extra effort.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stir-fry if needed, but keep in mind the vegetables might soften upon thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to keep the beef tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps refresh the sauce’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking properties, sirloin or strip steak can also be great substitutes. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.
How do I make this stir-fry spicier?
If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce when you toss in the sauce. These options bring controlled heat without overshadowing the other delicious flavors.
Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice your vegetables a few hours before cooking to save time. Just keep them covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness and crispness until you’re ready to stir-fry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari and double-check that hoisin and oyster sauces used are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish safely.
What’s the best way to slice the beef?
The secret to tender beef in stir-fry is slicing thinly across the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite wonderfully tender, even when cooking quickly on high heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked stir-fry that’s fast, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients, and this Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe hits every note perfectly. It’s destined to become one of your go-to meals, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family. Go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious, colorful, mouthwatering bite!
Print
Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Quick Beef Stir-Fry is a flavorful and vibrant Asian-inspired dish featuring tender flank steak and crisp vegetables cooked in a savory sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner that combines healthy ingredients with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Oils and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce until the beef is evenly coated. This helps tenderize the meat and creates a nice crust when cooked.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will infuse the oil and form the aromatic base for the dish.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, carrot slices, and sliced onion to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender, balancing texture and freshness.
- Make and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, and black pepper until combined. Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and fully coats the beef and vegetables, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your quick and delicious beef stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- You can substitute sirloin or strip steak for flank steak if preferred.
- This stir-fry pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
