If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that’s packed with tender beef and vibrant veggies, beef stir fry is your go-to dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you whip up a mouthwatering beef stir fry right in your kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for the Beef Stir Fry
– 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or top sirloin), thinly sliced
– 2-3 tablespoons oil with a high smoke point (like avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
– Vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, onions, carrots, mushrooms, snow peas, zucchini)
– Aromatics: garlic (1-2 cloves, minced), ginger (1 teaspoon grated)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions, fresh herbs (cilantro or basil)
Simple Stir Fry Sauce
You can mix your own sauce with these easy ingredients:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
– 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
– Optional: chili garlic sauce or hoisin sauce for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat half of the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear without moving for about a minute to get a nice brown crust. Then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until mostly cooked but still juicy. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the garlic and ginger first, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add your vegetables, stirring frequently. Cook until they are tender-crisp-usually 3 to 5 minutes depending on the veggies.
4. Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give your sauce a quick stir and pour it over the mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies beautifully.
5. Serve
Serve your beef stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or fresh herbs if you like.
Tips for the Best Beef Stir Fry
– Use a hot pan: Getting your pan really hot before adding ingredients helps create that delicious sear on the beef.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure browning.
– Prep everything first: Stir-frying is fast, so have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
– Customize your sauce: Feel free to adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to your taste.
– Choose the right oil: Oils with high smoke points prevent burning and keep flavors clean.
Beef stir fry is a versatile dish that’s easy to tweak based on what you have in your fridge or your flavor preferences. With this simple method, you’ll be making restaurant-quality stir fry meals at home in no time!
Ready to get cooking? What veggies or sauces do you want to try next?