The Best Beef Stir Fry

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When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with a perfectly cooked beef stir fry. Tender slices of beef seared to perfection, tossed with crisp-tender vegetables, and enveloped in a glossy, savory sauce—this is the kind of meal that turns weeknight dinners into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a busy week, this stir fry delivers both taste and nutrition in every bite.

With its roots in Asian cuisine, stir fry has become a global favorite for its speed, versatility, and balance of textures. This version—”The Best Beef Stir Fry”—leans into bold flavors like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, all while letting the natural sweetness of bell peppers and broccoli shine. Served over rice or noodles and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s a complete, mouthwatering meal ready in just about 30 minutes.

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Ingredients for this recipe

• 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by placing the thinly sliced beef into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, a pinch of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables and sauce.

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Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1/4 cup water, and a pinch of salt. Set this sauce aside—you’ll pour it in later to bring the whole dish together.

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Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and bell peppers. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

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Step 4: Sear the Beef

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 1 minute before stirring. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until browned and just cooked through.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan, then pour in the prepared stir fry sauce. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the meat and vegetables.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch and presentation, if desired.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover beef stir fry, allow it to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.

If you’d like to freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings total, not including rice or noodles):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 720mg

Note: These values can vary based on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef works best for stir fry?

Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent choices—they’re tender and cook quickly. Slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well if you’re short on time. Just thaw them and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. The base recipe is savory and mildly sweet. If you’d like heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.

Can I substitute chicken or tofu?

Absolutely. Boneless chicken breast or thigh can be used in place of beef. For a vegetarian version, firm tofu is a great protein-packed alternative.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch in the marinade helps, but you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in at the end if you want a thicker sauce.

What side dishes go well with beef stir fry?

Steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or even quinoa pair nicely. A light soup or spring rolls can round out the meal.

How do I avoid overcooking the vegetables?

Cook them over high heat just until they turn vibrant and slightly tender. Removing them from the pan before cooking the beef ensures they don’t get soggy.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! You can prep and slice all components ahead of time. Keep the sauce, veggies, and marinated beef in separate containers and cook when ready.

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