Name: Easy Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
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); 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

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.

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).

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

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.

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