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    Home » Beef

    Easy Beef Stir Fry

    Published: Dec 20, 2022 / Updated: Dec 20, 2022 / 26 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    Making this tasty beef stir fry recipe is simple in your own kitchen! The homemade sweet and savory sauce rivals even the best takeout.

    Some of my other takeout-style recipes include this Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) and Ground Beef Stir Fry.

    a bowl of beef stir fry with rice

    Why you'll love it

    This steak stir fry is another wonderful option to add to your rotation of Asian-inspired recipes to make at home. I like to change up my sauces, so in this one we're going with a soy sauce based one with fresh ginger, honey, and a hint of apple cider vinegar.

    What makes this the best beef stir fry is that it's got protein and veggies, is healthier and cheaper than takeout, and is ready in just 30 minutes. Does a simple family weeknight meal get any better? Thinly sliced ribbons of flank steak and tender-crisp veggies and plenty of sauce... yum!

    What you'll need

    For the stir fry

    • Olive oil - for sautéing
    • Flank steak - it's a fantastic middle ground between cost and taste, and it's very tender when cooked right
    • Onion - sweet (Vidalia) onions are my preference here
    • Veggies - I chose broccoli and red bell pepper

    For the sauce

    • Soy sauce and water - we're going with low sodium
    • Honey and apple cider vinegar - for a sweet touch and a little acidity
    • Ginger and garlic - zesty, savory components
    • Red pepper flakes - just enough for a gentle warmth, not making it spicy
    • Cornstarch - to thicken up the sauce
    ingredients for beef stir fry in prep bowls

    Tips for success

    • Make sure to cut the flank steak very thinly and slice against the grain. All this means is that you're cutting in the opposite direction of the lines (muscle fiber) that run down the meat, like skipping across train tracks.
    • Prep everything ahead of time since stir fries go quickly once you get started cooking.
    • Don't be afraid to cook it over high heat! Cast iron works great for this. Conversely, be mindful to not overcook your steak.

    How to make beef stir fry

    This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

    mixing stir fry sauce in a bowl and sauteing vegetables in a skillet

    Prep all your ingredients. Slice the steak into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the stir fry sauce ingredients. Add half the oil to a skillet, and get it sizzling hot. Fry the veggies, tossing often, to desired tenderness. Set aside.

    cooking steak in a skillet and adding vegetables and sauce

    Add the rest of the oil to the skillet, and arrange the beef fairly spread out. Leave it for a minute to cook, then toss and cook for a short while longer. A little rare is ok. Return the veggies to the skillet, and toss with the sauce. Heat until thickened. Serve right away with rice or noodles.

    Tools for this recipe

    Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

    • My 12" Staub skillet is pictured. It's a good size, and the meat isn't too crowded in this one. Overcrowded beef will steam vs. fry.
    • A Microplane is handy for grating the ginger.
    • I like this cutting board. It's sturdy with plenty of space for chopping the veggies.
    • Kitchen tongs make it easy to toss the stir fry.

    Substitutions and variations

    • You can sub flank steak for sirloin or tenderloin if you like.
    • If you want to use frozen broccoli, thaw it first, and you will likely need to cook it for less time as it's already partially cooked.
    • Prefer a sweeter sauce? Add another tablespoon or so of honey.
    • This recipe isn't particularly spicy as written, so feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes or leave them out altogether if you want it mild.
    • You can definitely change up the veggies, just be sure they're cut into similar size pieces so they cook at a similar rate (e.g. if adding carrots, slice them very thin or use matchstick cut carrots).
    a cast iron skillet with steak stir fry

    What to serve with beef stir fry

    • Top with fresh bean sprouts for some added crunch or sesame seeds.
    • I like a long-grain white rice like jasmine rice. Brown rice would work well too!
    • You can also serve over your favorite noodles. Try ramen, Udon, or rice noodles.

    Leftovers and storage

    • Leftover beef stir fry will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
    • Reheat leftovers in a covered saucepan or in the microwave over a low heat until warmed through.
    • You can freeze leftovers, but the veggies will soften up.

    More Asian-inspired recipes

    • Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)
    • Easy Chicken Stir Fry
    • Ground Pork Stir Fry
    • Easy Beef Bowls
    • Pineapple Chicken (Asian Style)
    closeup of beef stir fry

    If you made this simple beef stir fry or the blog post didn't answer your questions, leave me a comment below! You can also tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram if you made it.

    a bowl of beef stir fry with rice

    Easy Beef Stir Fry

    Making this tasty beef stir fry recipe is simple in your own kitchen! The homemade sweet and savory sauce rivals even the best takeout.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Asian American
    Servings 4
    Calories 353 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    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
     

    • If making rice or noodles to serve with this stir fry, get that started. Prep all stir fry ingredients ahead of time as the actual cooking part goes very quickly. To prep the steak, trim off any fat and slice it across the grain into very thin bite-size pieces. Add the sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk together thoroughly.
    • Add one tablespoon of the olive oil to a large skillet over high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes (oil should be shimmering).
    • Add the onion, broccoli, and bell pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing/stirring often (they will end up tender-crisp). Transfer veggies to a plate.
    • Add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the beef in a single layer (just "sprinkle" it into the pan ensuring it's spread out a bit) and don't touch it for a minute. Stir/flip it (cooking tongs are helpful) and cook it for another minute or so. Important: it cooks fast and will easily overcook and become tough. Leaving it a bit rare at this point is best.
    • Add the veggies back to the skillet and pour the sauce in. Stir/toss until coated and the sauce has thickened (about 1-3 minutes). Take the skillet off the heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

    Notes

    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 353kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 29gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1229mgPotassium: 709mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 329IUVitamin C: 44mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword beef stir fry, steak stir fry
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Gnocchi
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    1. Farrah says

      September 19, 2023 at 9:48 PM

      5 stars
      Superb. Just superb. I made this for my husband and we were licking the bowls because the flavor of the sauce was just so good.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 20, 2023 at 11:50 AM

        That makes me so happy!

        Reply
    2. Marilyn says

      September 18, 2023 at 5:39 AM

      5 stars
      I made the Easy Beef Stir Fry when I had my sister over for dinner last night. We both absolutely loved it!

      I made a few small changes but nothing major. I used rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar and powdered ginger instead of a ginger root.

      I added a lot more vegetables including mushrooms, water chesnuts, sliced green onion, snow peas, green pepper in addition to the vegetables that were in the recipe.
      I used Wagyu beef for the stir fry and it was extremely tender. I coated the beef with
      corn starch and seared it over high heat before doing anything else. I set the beef aside and then added my vegetables to the frying pan and made sure they remained slightly crisp. I then poured the sauce over them and added the beef and heated it until it was a bit hotter but did not overcook it.

      I used this recipe because I wanted a good sauce and this was. It did not overpower the vegtables and was very light.

      I served it with white rice, a salad of butter lettuce, mandarin oranges, avacado, sliced almonds with an oil and vinegar dressing. Watermelon for desert!

      I will definitely make this recipe again. My sister raved over the dinner and we were both very pleased with it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 18, 2023 at 10:03 AM

        I'm so glad you two enjoyed it, Marilyn!! 😀

        Reply
    3. Kim Stahl says

      September 11, 2023 at 1:48 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight with pre sliced beef for stir fry. Only had a little broccoli, sliced up onion and some yellow and green squash. Served over rice and it was soo good!! Followed recipe except for red pepper flakes . Used spices from spice cabinet. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 11, 2023 at 2:01 PM

        I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    4. Alexandra says

      July 29, 2023 at 6:42 AM

      Hi there! I was just wondering do you think this recipe would work okay with pork chops sliced, just as the beef would be? I’ve got so much pork in the freezer I was thinking of giving it a try. Thanks in advance!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 29, 2023 at 9:50 AM

        Hi! I don't see why that wouldn't work, actually. Let me know how it goes! 🙂

        Reply
        • Alexandra says

          July 30, 2023 at 6:12 PM

          Hi! It turned out amazing with pork chops (we just cut from several large pork loins) I made sure to slice very thin to keep it close to what the beef would’ve been, very tender even for pork.
          Once my husband comes home from work in the field I’m going to make it again with beef!
          Thanks for such an awesome recipe and also for the reply 🙂 looking forward to checking out more of your recipes! Keep ‘em coming 😉

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            July 30, 2023 at 6:34 PM

            Yay!! That's great!! 😀 Thanks for the update!

            Reply
    5. Martha says

      July 22, 2023 at 7:18 PM

      5 stars
      Loved it! Exactly what I was looking for, your site is becoming my go-to for recipes! Thanks for all the great content 😌

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 23, 2023 at 9:44 AM

        Aww I'm thrilled to hear that, Martha!! 😀 Thank you! Please let me know what else you try.

        Reply
    6. Kerry B says

      May 30, 2023 at 10:31 PM

      5 stars
      Super easy to make, great flavours. I added a bit of fish sauce. Will definitely make it again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 31, 2023 at 11:22 AM

        Wonderful!! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Laura Young says

      May 29, 2023 at 7:02 PM

      I used brown sugar instead of honey. it was delicious.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 29, 2023 at 7:19 PM

        Excellent! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Linda Vandagriff says

      May 24, 2023 at 3:24 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious, this recipe is easy, quick and yummy❤️

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 24, 2023 at 4:00 PM

        Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it, Linda! 😀

        Reply
    9. Mary Meyer says

      April 30, 2023 at 8:33 AM

      5 stars
      Stir Fry is my favorite way to cook veggies. Adding steak makes it awesome. Great sauce recipe. I will be keeping this recipe going my once a week rotation. Thanks for the wonderful recipes you post.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 30, 2023 at 9:58 AM

        You're very welcome, Mary! I'm thrilled it's a new hit.

        Reply
    10. Marilyn Forsyth says

      March 23, 2023 at 12:13 PM

      I don’t eat beef so how would I change this up for Chicken Stir Fry? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 23, 2023 at 12:32 PM

        You could cut up a couple of chicken breasts and use those. Or try a different recipe like this one: https://bit.ly/40vR4Fm or type "chicken stir fry" into the search bar on my website and they'll all come up for you.

        Reply
    11. Naomi says

      February 19, 2023 at 11:20 AM

      Hello, I love your recipes but I struggle everytime with the measurements. I live in Switzerland and we use kilograms and ml.

      Is there any chance for you to convert the quantities into European metrics?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 19, 2023 at 12:12 PM

        Hi Naomi! Thrilled you've been enjoying the recipes. I understand your frustration, but unfortunately my recipe card software doesn't allow for easy conversions for international readers. My audience is primarily American, so that's what I go with for measurements.

        Reply
    12. Christine says

      January 7, 2023 at 9:46 AM

      5 stars
      Fast and fresh. Sauce was flavorful without being too sweet. Easy to adapt to preferences. We used small sweet peppers and added extra garlic and red pepper flakes. Served over rice with fresh bean spouts, as suggested. Perfect.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 7, 2023 at 7:13 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Thanks so much for your review!

        Reply

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