Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

This Easy Beef Stir Fry recipe holds a special place for me. I use tender flank steak, sliced red and green bell peppers, and crisp onions, all elevated by garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. A perfect mix of soy and oyster sauces delivers a remarkable flavor infusion.

I recently tried my hand at an Easy Beef Stir Fry and I gotta say it turned out amazing even though it’s simple and budget-friendly. I started off by marinating 1 lb beef thinly sliced against the grain with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper.

Then I heated up 2 tbsp vegetable oil and tossed in a medium onion along with sliced red and green bell peppers. I added 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to bring that authentic flavor to life.

I finished it off with 2 tbsp oyster sauce and a hint of sweetness from 1 tbsp sugar along with a splash of water or beef broth. This stir fry is one of those beef recipes for dinner that remind me of Chinese Cooking Recipes that are both easy and delightfully flavorful.

Give it a try its a quick fix that rivals your favorite takeout!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super quick to make and doesn’t need a ton of stuff from the store. I love how the beef gets really tender and the veggies stay a bit crunchy, which makes everything mix together perfectly. The combination of garlic, ginger, soy and oyster sauces gives me a rich, comforting flavor that reminds me of my favorite takeout meals. Plus, it’s affordable and feels like I can whip it up any night when I’m short on time.

Ingredients

• Beef: Protein powerhouse that makes the dish rich and satisfying in flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Adds crunch, vitamins, and a mildly sweet taste to the stir fry.
• Green bell pepper: Good source of fiber and nutrients with a fresh, crisp bite.
• Onion: Enhances the flavor and supplies antioxidants for an extra healthy boost.
• Garlic: Offers bold taste with heart healthy properties and a robust aroma.
• Ginger: Brings warmth and spice while aiding digestion with every bite.
• Soy sauce: Salty umami seasoning that intensifies flavor while marinating the beef.
• Oyster sauce: Contributes balanced sweet and savory flavors to complete the dish.
• Cornstarch: Creates a smooth glossy sauce that binds the ingredients together well.
• Vegetable oil: Helps in even cooking and gives the stir fry a crisp texture.
• Optional red pepper flakes: Adds heat if desired and sparks an extra kick of flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin) thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• Optional: a pinch red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

How to Make this

1. In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in small batches so it browns nicely. Then take the beef out of the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the red and green bell peppers and the sliced onion.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, and add the red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.

5. Cook the vegetables until they are slightly tender but still a bit crisp, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Return the browned beef to the pan with the vegetables.

7. Stir in the oyster sauce, sugar, and water or beef broth. Mix everything well so the flavors combine.

8. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens a little. Serve hot over rice if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl for marinating the beef
2. Knife for slicing the meat, peppers, and onion, and for mincing garlic and ginger
3. Cutting board for chopping the vegetables and beef
4. Measuring spoons for soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, pepper, oyster sauce, and sugar
5. Large pan or wok for browning the beef and stir-frying the vegetables
6. Spatula or tongs for stirring and flipping the ingredients
7. Plate to set aside the cooked beef before combining with the veggies

FAQ

Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of beef, you can use thinly sliced chicken or pork tenderloin if that’s what you have
• If you dont have soy sauce, try tamari or coconut aminos for that salty kick
• Don’t have cornstarch? Arrowroot powder or potato starch work just as fine
• If oyster sauce is hard to find, hoisin sauce or a mushroom based sauce can be a good substitute
• If you’re out of beef broth, water works too or you could use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the pan is super hot when you add the beef so it browns quick and doesn’t stews itself. If the meat sits in a crowded pan it gets mushy and not as flavorful.
2. Take your time slicing the beef and veggies evenly. It might seem like a pain but even cuts make everything cook more evenly and help all the flavors mix better.
3. When you toss in garlic and ginger, be sure to stir them quick because they can burn and turn bitter way faster than you expect.
4. Try tweaking the sauce to your liking. If you want more kick or a sweeter taste, experiment with a pinch more sugar or extra red pepper flakes.