This Beef Stir Fry is quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors. Tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce come together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. The beef is cooked to perfection and coated in a delicious sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar, while fresh ginger and red pepper flakes add a flavorful kick. Whether served over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, home-cooked meal!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
¼ cup oyster sauce
¼ cup beef broth (or water)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
For the Stir Fry:
1 lb skirt steak or flank steak (sliced thin against the grain)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
1 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
1 cup onion (sliced)
2 cups snow peas (trimmed and cut in half)
Green onions (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Prepare the Beef:
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Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain and place it in a bowl.
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Add cornstarch, salt, and pepper, and toss the beef until well coated. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
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Add the beef (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.
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Repeat the process with any remaining beef.
Cook the Vegetables:
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Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
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Add the sliced onions and red bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add the snow peas and minced garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Combine Beef and Sauce:
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Add the cooked beef back into the skillet along with the sauce mixture.
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Toss everything together until well combined and simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Serve:
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Serve the stir fry over white rice or noodles.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add More Veggies: Include additional vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or baby corn for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
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Spicy Kick: For an extra level of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
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Substitute Protein: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice for a low-carb version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this stir fry?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the beef completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
While stir fry is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the vegetables ahead of time to save time when you’re ready to cook.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What kind of beef works best for stir fry?
Flank steak or skirt steak works well because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thin against the grain. You can also use sirloin or ribeye.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whatever vegetables you prefer, such as mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini, to create your own variation.
Can I make this stir fry without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little sugar for a similar sweet and savory taste.
How can I make this stir fry spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or some chili paste, like sambal oelek, to the sauce for a higher level of heat.
Can I use a different oil for this stir fry?
Yes, you can use any high-heat oil like peanut oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil instead of vegetable oil.
How do I know when the beef is cooked?
The beef cooks very quickly—about 1-2 minutes per batch on high heat. It should be browned on the outside but still tender on the inside.
Can I serve this stir fry with something other than rice or noodles?
Yes, you can serve it with quinoa, rice noodles, or even a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
Conclusion
This Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a satisfying and healthy option that the whole family will love. The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it versatile enough to enjoy again and again. Whip it up in just 25 minutes for a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Print
Beef Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Quick, flavorful, and loaded with tender beef and vegetables, this stir fry is a perfect weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- For The Sauce:
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- For The Stir Fry:
- 1 lb skirt steak or flank steak (sliced thin against the grain)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup onion (sliced)
- 2 cups snow peas (trimmed and cut in half)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Slice beef into thin slices against the grain and place in a bowl. Add cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then mix until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add beef (cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, then remove to a plate. Repeat until all the beef is cooked.
- Cook the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add sliced onions and red peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add snow peas and garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together until combined. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry over white rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Use a skillet that can get very hot, like a cast-iron pan, aluminum pan, or Blackstone grill, for the best results.
- The beef cooks very quickly, about 1-2 minutes on high heat, and will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
