Beef stir fry is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture vibrant vegetables sizzling alongside tender strips of beef, forming a delightful harmony of flavors in a hot skillet or wok. This dish is renowned for its quick preparation and the ability to highlight fresh ingredients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. If you want a recipe that combines the satisfaction of a homemade dish with the convenience of speed, then beef stir fry should definitely be on your menu.
Why We Love This Beef Stir Fry Recipe
The love for beef stir fry comes from its versatility, speed, and taste. It’s an excellent option when you’re pressed for time yet desire a wholesome meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious. Moreover, you get total control over what goes into your stir fry, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Another reason we can’t get enough of beef stir fry is that it’s perfect for using up leftover vegetables in your fridge. Whether you have a lonely carrot, a half-used pepper, or leftover broccoli, toss them in! The more colorful the vegetables, the more appealing the dish, so feel free to get creative.
The flavors are also incredibly easy to personalize. The base of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can be enhanced with spices, different sauces, or even fresh herbs. This adaptability ensures that beef stir fry can complement whatever craving you have while still delivering a hearty meal. Trust us, once you try this beef stir fry recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish.
Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry
To make this robust beef stir fry, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 g) flank steak
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cups (182 g) broccoli florets
- 1 cup (128 g) shredded carrots
- 1 cup (98 g) snow peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
How to Make Beef Stir Fry Directions
Creating a beef stir fry may seem intimidating, but truly it involves a series of simple steps that lead to a flavorful result. Here’s how to whip up this dish from start to finish:
Prep the Beef: Start by cutting the flank steak into thin strips. It’s essential to slice the beef against the grain to ensure each piece remains tender. Once sliced, place the beef in a bowl, and add 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix everything well, ensuring that all pieces are coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.
Vegetable and Sauce Preparation: While the beef marinates, you can prepare the vegetables. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets, shred the carrots, and slice the red bell pepper and green onion. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauces, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. This sauce will become the star of your stir fry.
Heating the Skillet: It’s time to heat up your skillet or wok. Pour in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and place over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers slightly, indicating that it’s ready for cooking.
Cooking the Beef: Add half of the marinated beef to the sizzling oil in the skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 3 minutes or until it starts to brown and is nearly cooked through. Remove this batch from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining beef, ensuring each piece gets a chance to brown nicely.
Add the Vegetables: With the beef removed, add all your prepared vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 3–4 minutes or until they become tender yet still crisp. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will draw you in as they sizzle.
Completing the Stir Fry: Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the sauce mixture you whisked up earlier. Stir everything together so that the beef and vegetables are coated in the delicious sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld together.
Garnishing: Just before taking it off the heat, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the stir fry. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful presentation.
Serving: Your beef stir fry is now ready to delight your taste buds! Serve it over a bed of white rice for a complete meal. The fluffy rice complements the flavors of the stir fry perfectly.
How to Serve Beef Stir Fry
When it comes to serving your beef stir fry, presentation matters! Start with a generous scoop of fluffy white rice placed in the center of the plate or bowl. Gently ladle the warm beef stir fry over the rice, allowing some of the vibrant vegetables to cascade over the sides. This not only looks appealing but offers a balance of rice and stir fry in each bite.
You can take it a step further by adding some garnishes. Extra sesame seeds sprinkled on top not only enhance the visual appeal but also add that nutty flavor. Consider adding a few slices of fresh cucumber or radish on the side for freshness. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley can also elevate the presentation while adding a burst of color.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, place a small dish of chili sauce or sriracha beside the stir fry, allowing guests to level up the spice according to their taste. This interactive element makes serving more engaging and personalizes the meal for everyone at the table.
Expert Tips for Beef Stir Fry
Creating the perfect beef stir fry involves more than just following the recipe. Here are some expert tips to elevate your dish:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak is ideal due to its excellent flavor and tender texture. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if they are available, ensuring you slice against the grain for tenderness.
Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the beef for a longer period, even up to a few hours. This additional time will imbue deeper flavors into the meat.
High Heat is Crucial: When stir frying, it’s vital to use high heat. This quick cooking method seals the meat’s juices and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, fry the beef in batches rather than all at once. Overcrowding the pan can trap moisture and make steaming instead of frying, which affects both the texture and flavor.
Use Seasonal Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match seasonal vegetables. Stir fry is forgiving, and almost any veggie can be included, making it a flexible option based on what’s available.
Experiment with Sauces: Aside from soy sauce, try adding a splash of hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or even some orange juice for an interesting twist.
How to Store Beef Stir Fry
Storing leftover beef stir fry is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy it later. Start by allowing the stir fry to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container, ensuring you separate components if desired.
The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through. If you find it has dried out a bit in storage, adding a splash of water or broth while reheating will revive its original juiciness.
For longer storage, you can freeze your beef stir fry. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and then reheat. However, note that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Variations of Beef Stir Fry
Beef stir fry is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to swap in different ingredients or change the overall theme. Here are some delightful variations you might want to consider:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. Slice it into cubes and marinate just like you would the beef. You can also increase the vegetable variety with bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Beef Stir Fry: Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of chili oil to your cooking process. This variation is great for those who enjoy a kick of heat in their meals.
Noodle Stir Fry: Instead of rice, toss in some cooked noodles, such as rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti. This twist gives you a different texture and fills the meal out nicely.
Add Fruit: For a sweet twist, try adding pineapple or mango chunks during the last minute of cooking. The fruit will caramelize slightly and add a refreshing taste to balance the savory beef.
Asian Influence: For a more distinctly Asian flavor, incorporate sesame oil instead of regular cooking oil and use bok choy or cabbage as an addition to the vegetables.
By trying these variations, you can discover new ways to enjoy the classic flavors of beef stir fry, ensuring it never gets boring!
FAQ about Beef Stir Fry
What is the best cut of beef for stir fry?
Flank steak is considered the ideal cut for stir fry because of its tenderness and flavor. However, sirloin or ribeye also work well if prepared correctly.
Can I use frozen vegetables in my beef stir fry?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables; just remember to add them directly to the skillet while they’re still frozen. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
How long does it take to make beef stir fry?
The entire process takes about 30 minutes, which includes marinating time for the beef. It’s an excellent choice for a quick and delicious meal!
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Marinate the beef and chop the vegetables in advance, then quickly cook them when you’re ready to eat.
What can I serve with my beef stir fry?
Beef stir fry goes exceptionally well with white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also pair it with spring rolls or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Beef Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb. flank steak sliced into thin strips
- 2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 piece red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green onion sliced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ Tbsp. dark soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp. ginger finely minced
- 1 tsp. sesame seeds plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. In a bowl, combine the beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables: wash and cut the broccoli, shred the carrots, and slice the red bell pepper and green onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauces, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add half of the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining beef.
- Add all the prepared vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving over a bed of rice.
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