Homemade Beef Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Create a quick and delicious weeknight meal with this Homemade Beef Stir Fry recipe. Tender strips of beef are sautéed with a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a mouthwatering savory sauce. Perfect for busy days, this stir fry is nutritious, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
This Homemade Beef Stir Fry is a family favorite that combines flavor and nutrition with ease.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Healthy and delicious
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
The Benefits of Stir Frying
Stir frying is an incredibly efficient cooking method that helps retain the vibrant colors and nutrients of vegetables while enhancing their flavors. The quick cooking time ensures that the ingredients are seared, not boiled, which locks in essential vitamins. This technique allows for high heat, resulting in a delicious, slightly charred taste that elevates your meal.
Additionally, stir frying requires minimal oil compared to other cooking methods, making it a healthier option for family meals. The combination of high heat and quick cooking time means you can achieve a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. Plus, it's easy to clean up, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
Customizing Your Stir Fry
One of the best features of a stir fry is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. Swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand—zucchini, snap peas, or bok choy can all work beautifully. The key is to cut your vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Moreover, you can vary the protein source based on what you have available. Chicken, pork, or tofu are excellent substitutes for beef, providing diverse flavor profiles. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin to create new dishes every time you cook. This adaptability makes stir frying an exciting cooking experience.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal that dazzles the palate, serving your Homemade Beef Stir Fry with a side of steamed rice or noodles is a classic choice. Both options soak up the savory sauce beautifully and balance the flavors of the dish. Consider using jasmine rice for a fragrant aroma or whole grain noodles for an extra health kick.
You can also elevate your presentation by garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Pairing your stir fry with a light cucumber salad or a refreshing side of kimchi can add an extra layer of freshness to your meal. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies to this stir fry!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Slice beef and vegetables. Mince the garlic.
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Combine and Serve
Add the beef back to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another minute. Serve over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious homemade beef stir fry!
Tips for Perfect Stir Fry
To achieve the best results with your stir fry, make sure your pan is sufficiently hot before adding the ingredients. A preheated skillet helps create a beautiful sear on the beef, enhancing its flavor and tenderness. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is essential for a successful stir fry. When selecting your beef, opt for cuts like flank steak or sirloin for their tenderness. Similarly, choose vibrant vegetables that are in season for added flavor and nutrition. The fresher the ingredients, the better your stir fry will taste!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers after preparing your Homemade Beef Stir Fry, you’ll be glad to know they store well. Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prepping.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This way, you can enjoy the delectable flavors of your stir fry even after the initial meal, providing a satisfying and quick option for busy days.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work great for stir fry!
→ What can I substitute for beef?
You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as a protein alternative.
Homemade Beef Stir Fry
Create a quick and delicious weeknight meal with this Homemade Beef Stir Fry recipe. Tender strips of beef are sautéed with a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a mouthwatering savory sauce. Perfect for busy days, this stir fry is nutritious, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
Created by: Olivia Hayes
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
How-To Steps
Slice beef and vegetables. Mince the garlic.
In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and add the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the beef back to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another minute. Serve over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 15g