Do Share Recipe

Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe | Quick and Flavorful Dinner

I just whipped up this recipe for what I’ll call the Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe, and I’ve got to tell you—it hits the spot. I had a long day, and when I finally got around to cooking, I wanted something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I grabbed a handful of fresh veggies, some steak from the fridge, and within 20 minutes, I had a hot pan and dinner on the table.

The sizzle, the aroma of garlic and sesame oil, the crunch of broccoli and bell pepper—yeah, it was worth it. You can also enjoy something equally comforting like this hot honey chicken pizza recipe if you’re in the mood for a spicy twist. Let’s dive into how you can make it too, step-by-step, with my thoughts and tips.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need (for approx. 4 servings):

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil) — using an oil with a high smoke point keeps things from burning.
1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into 2-inch strips — choosing a tender cut helps avoid chewy meat.
1½ cups broccoli florets — fresh is best; frozen can get soggy when stir-frying.
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips — adds sweetness plus crunch and color.
1 cup matchstick carrots — thin carrots cook quickly and add brightness.
2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives that sharp aromatic punch; use freshly minced rather than jarred for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce — for savory depth; low-sodium keeps salt levels balanced.
1 tablespoon brown sugar — a little sweetness helps balance the salty soy sauce.
1 tablespoon sesame oil — for a nutty, rich finish; drizzle it in at the end.
1 teaspoon sriracha — adds a gentle kick of heat; adjust to taste.
¼ cup sliced green onions — for a burst of freshness and mild onion flavor.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds — add crunch and make it look gorgeous when serving.

Note: Serves about 4 people.

Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun swaps and additions:

Gluten-free option: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari.
Sugar-free version: Skip the brown sugar and use a splash of orange juice or rice vinegar for a natural sweetness.
Extra flavor boost: Add freshly grated ginger or a spoonful of oyster sauce for a richer umami profile.
Different proteins: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for a new twist — or even try this hot honey chicken pasta recipe for another easy, flavor-packed dinner idea.
Veggie add-ins: Mushrooms, snow peas, bok choy, or water chestnuts all work beautifully here.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Wok or large skillet — the high sides and large surface are perfect for tossing ingredients at high heat.
Sharp knife and cutting board — to slice the steak thinly and chop veggies evenly for quick cooking.
Spatula or wooden spoon — to stir and toss ingredients without damaging the pan.
Measuring spoons/cups — to get the sauce proportions just right for balanced flavor.

How to Make Easy Beef Stir Fry

Let’s make this flavorful dish step by step.

Prep the steak and heat the pan

I started by slicing the beef into thin 2-inch strips. Then, I heated my wok over medium-high heat and added the vegetable oil. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly—it’s key for a perfect sear.

Brown the beef

Once the pan was hot, I tossed in the beef strips and sprinkled with salt and pepper. They cooked for about 3–4 minutes, just until browned on the outside. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the beef sear properly instead of steaming.

Cook the vegetables and add garlic

Next, I moved the beef to one side and added the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the same pan. They cooked for around 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Then, I stirred in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another 30 seconds.

Add sauce and finish

After that, I poured in the soy sauce and brown sugar mixture, stirring everything together so the beef and vegetables were evenly coated. Once the sauce thickened slightly, I drizzled in the sesame oil and sriracha for that final burst of flavor.

Garnish and serve

Finally, I sprinkled green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top, giving it that fresh and nutty finish. I removed the pan from heat right away to keep the veggies crisp and vibrant.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this a few times, here are my favorite personal tips:

Always let the pan get super hot before adding beef—it locks in flavor and gives that perfect stir-fry sear.
Slice beef against the grain so it stays tender and easy to chew.
Have all your veggies chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast, and you won’t have time to prep mid-way.
If you like your sauce a little thicker, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it at the end—it coats the beef beautifully.
A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end brightens up the flavor.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry

This stir fry is best served piping hot straight from the pan. I love spooning it over a bed of steamed white rice or jasmine rice—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it over cauliflower rice or noodles. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and green onions on top for a restaurant-style presentation. For a full Asian-inspired meal, pair it with egg rolls or a side of miso soup.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough idea of what one serving contains:

Calories: ~350–400 kcal
Protein: ~30 g
Carbohydrates: ~25–30 g
Fat: ~15 g

These values may vary based on portion size and ingredient choices, but it’s a healthy, balanced meal overall.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Let the stir fry cool before transferring it into an airtight container. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing, and store it in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a hot skillet with a small splash of oil instead of the microwave. This keeps the veggies crisp and the beef juicy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Easy Beef Stir Fry will become your new weeknight favorite:

Quick and easy: It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy nights.
Loaded with flavor: The combination of soy, garlic, sesame, and sriracha creates an irresistible sauce.
Customizable: You can swap proteins, add veggies, or tweak the spice level to suit your taste.
Healthy and balanced: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies—wholesome and satisfying.
Tastes better than takeout: You get that same bold, saucy flavor without the greasy feel or cost.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this Easy Beef Stir Fry is a guaranteed win. It’s colorful, full of texture, and bursting with flavor—plus, you can whip it up in no time. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be one of those go-to recipes you come back to again and again.

Ben Carraoli