Tender strips of beef tossed with colorful vegetables in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. A quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in one skillet!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
For the Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Stir-Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For Garnishing
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Beef
Place the beef on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain.
This helps make the beef tender and easy to chew.
2. Marinate the Beef
Place the sliced beef in a bowl.
Add:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Black pepper
Mix well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch.
Set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the beef in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
Transfer the beef to a plate.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add a little more oil if needed.
Add the carrots, broccoli, and onion first. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
Add the bell peppers and snap peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
The vegetables should be colorful and tender-crisp rather than mushy.
6. Add Garlic & Ginger
Add minced garlic and fresh ginger.
Stir-fry for approximately 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Add Beef Back
Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
Give the sauce another quick stir, then pour it over the beef and vegetables.
8. Finish the Stir-Fry
Toss everything together over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes.
The sauce should become glossy and lightly coat the beef and vegetables.
9. Garnish
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
What to Serve With It
This stir-fry is delicious with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Rice noodles
- Quinoa
- Cauliflower rice
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
Slice against the grain: This keeps the beef tender.
Use high heat: Stir-frying quickly helps keep the vegetables crisp.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Too much food at once can cause the beef to steam instead of brown.
Prep everything first: Stir-frying moves quickly, so have your vegetables and sauce ready before turning on the heat.
Don’t overcook the vegetables: They should retain a little crunch.
Easy Variations
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Add chili flakes or a little chili-garlic sauce.
Mushroom Beef Stir-Fry
Add 1–2 cups sliced mushrooms.
Extra Vegetable
Add cabbage, zucchini, baby corn, or bok choy.
Sweet & Savory
Add a small amount of pineapple for a sweet contrast.
Chicken Version
Replace beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs and cook thoroughly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak, sirloin, skirt steak, or another tender beef cut works well. Slice it thinly against the grain.
Why is my beef tough?
The most common reasons are thick slices, slicing with the grain, overcooking, or using a tougher cut without enough preparation.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. Add them directly to the hot pan, but avoid adding too many at once because they can release extra moisture.
Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Yes. Substitute hoisin sauce or use a little extra soy sauce. The flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that the oyster sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the vegetables ahead?
Yes. Slice all the vegetables and keep them refrigerated in a covered container until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use another protein?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can work well with the same vegetables and sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
The cornstarch helps thicken it. If you want it thicker, mix another ½ teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then add it to the simmering sauce.
Quick Recipe Card
Slice beef → season → mix sauce → sear beef → stir-fry vegetables → add garlic & ginger → return beef → add sauce → toss until glossy → garnish with sesame seeds & green onions. 🥩🥦🥕