This Easy Beef Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner idea that combines tender flank steak with fresh vegetables and a savory honey soy sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe takes under 30 minutes to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. The dish features crisp vegetables like broccoli and bell pepper, tossed with a rich sauce made from low-sodium soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Served over rice or noodles, this stir fry is customizable and can be adapted to suit your dietary preferences. With its bold, satisfying flavors and fast cooking time, this Easy Beef Stir Fry is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: If you’re serving this stir fry with rice or noodles, start cooking them first. Slice the flank steak across the grain into very thin pieces and prepare your vegetables. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Cook Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, tossing often, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Add the second tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the beef in a single layer, allowing it to cook without stirring for a minute. After a minute, stir or flip the beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook the beef, as it cooks quickly and can become tough. It’s okay to leave it slightly rare.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for 1-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this beef stir fry can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The honey, soy sauce, and fresh ginger give this dish a balanced, savory-sweet flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Healthy and Colorful: Loaded with fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell pepper, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Tips
- Slice Thinly: For the best results, slice the beef thinly across the grain. This helps the meat cook quickly and remain tender.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier stir fry, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Stir-fry the beef quickly, as it cooks fast and can become tough if overdone.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Different Vegetables: Swap out or add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for variety.
- Soy-Free: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a soy-free alternative.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice them thinly.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? This stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and slice the veggies and beef ahead of time for an easier cooking process.
Serving
Serve your easy beef stir fry over freshly cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired.
Suggestions
- Pair with a Side: Serve with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it great for leftovers or meal prep for the week. Just reheat and serve!
Easy Beef Stir Fry
4
servings15
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cups broccoli, cut into small florets
1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
- Prep Ingredients: If you’re serving this stir fry with rice or noodles, start cooking them first. Slice the flank steak across the grain into very thin pieces and prepare your vegetables. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Cook Veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, broccoli, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, tossing often, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Add the second tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the beef in a single layer, allowing it to cook without stirring for a minute. After a minute, stir or flip the beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook the beef, as it cooks quickly and can become tough. It’s okay to leave it slightly rare.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for 1-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
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