You get tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce — all ready in about 30 minutes.
Here’s a classic, easy, and delicious beef stir-fry recipe that tastes like takeout (but fresher!):
🥢 Beef Stir-Fry
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total: ~25 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
For the beef:
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1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
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⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or 1 tbsp brown sugar for sweetness)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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¾ cup beef broth or water
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
For the stir-fry:
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2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
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1 small onion, sliced
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2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas)
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Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes
🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate the beef
In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and pepper.
Let sit 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables and sauce.
2. Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, vinegar, cornstarch, beef broth, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
3. Cook the beef
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add beef in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until just browned (don’t overcook).
Remove beef to a plate.
4. Stir-fry vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the same pan.
Add onion and mixed vegetables; cook 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender.
5. Combine everything
Return the beef (and juices) to the pan.
Pour in the sauce and toss well to coat.
Cook 2–3 minutes more, until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy and hot.
6. Serve
Serve immediately over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Top with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.
🍴 Tips & Variations
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Slice the beef thinly: Place it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes first — it cuts more easily.
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For spice: Add a spoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha.
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For a lower-sodium version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce.
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Make it one-pan meal: Add cooked noodles (like udon or rice noodles) right into the pan at the end.
Would you like me to give you a teriyaki-style beef stir fry (sweeter and glossy) or a spicy garlic version next?
