Quick and Easy Beef Stir Fry: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Easy Beef Stir Fry is a perfect weeknight dinner, combining tender beef with vibrant vegetables in a savory, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for Asian-inspired cuisine.

Our family loves this Easy Beef Stir Fry recipe. The first time I made it, I was looking for a quick and nutritious dinner option. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma drew everyone to the kitchen, and the first bite had everyone hooked. My husband and kids eagerly anticipate stir-fry night now, knowing they’ll get a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. It’s become a staple in our dinner rotation, bringing joy to our table every time.

 

Why This Easy Beef Stir Fry:

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Tender and Flavorful: Uses tender cuts of beef and a rich, savory sauce.
• Nutritious and Colorful: Packed with fresh vegetables for a healthy meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies and protein.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids, making it a great family meal.

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 570 g (20 oz) beef steak (flank steak, skirt steak, or flat iron)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil
• 1 tsp (3 g) cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
• 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) sea salt

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp (45 ml) hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar/Shaoxing wine
• 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar or honey/maple syrup

For the Cornstarch Slurry:

• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch or arrowroot flour/tapioca starch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water

For the Stir Fry:

• 310 g (11 oz) mixed bell peppers
• 113 g (4 oz) onion (1 small)
• 40 g (1.4 oz) green onions
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil or canola oil
• 6 g (0.3 oz) garlic (2 cloves)
• 5.6 g (0.2 oz) ginger (1/2 tbsp minced)
• Sesame seeds to taste, raw or toasted

Directions:

Prepare the Beef:

1. If not using pre-sliced beef, freeze it for 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
2. Slice the beef into thin, 1/4-inch strips against the grain.
3. In a bowl, combine the beef with sesame oil, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Mince the garlic and ginger.
2. Cut the green onions, slicing the green parts lengthwise and the white parts into rounds.
3. Slice the bell peppers and onions into even-sized strips.

Stir-Fry:

1. Heat 1/3 of the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until no longer pink. Cook in batches if necessary.
2. Add another 1/3 of the oil to the pan and stir-fry the bell peppers and onions for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Add the remaining oil, reduce heat to medium, and sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the stir-fry sauce and cornstarch slurry to the pan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust the thickness with more slurry or water/beef broth if needed.
5. Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the pan, add the green onions, and stir to combine. Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Notes:

• Substitutions: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
• Cooking Tips: Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Nutritional Information: This stir-fry is rich in protein and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.