Easy Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dinner made with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) beef steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Place the sliced beef in a bowl. Add soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well and let it sit for about 10–15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrot, and broccoli to the same pan. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Add the bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another minute.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
6. Serve
Serve the beef stir-fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Beef Stir-Fry
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for a more tender texture.
- Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Keep the vegetables slightly crisp for better texture.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking because stir-frying happens quickly.
- Adjust the sauce to your preferred level of sweetness or saltiness.
What to Serve With Beef Stir-Fry
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Egg noodles
- Rice noodles
- Fried rice
- Steamed vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef should I use?
Sirloin, flank steak, or another tender beef cut works well when thinly sliced.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen mixed vegetables can be used when fresh vegetables aren’t available. Cook them according to their size and moisture content.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooked stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Easy Beef Stir-Fry is a fast, versatile, and satisfying meal packed with tender beef and colorful vegetables. The savory sauce brings everything together, making this recipe a great choice for a simple homemade dinner.