This quick beef stir fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor from the savory sauce, tender beef, and colorful vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and filling dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Quick Beef Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How to Make Quick Beef Stir Fry
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, broccoli, and snap peas. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve the quick beef stir fry over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients
- Beef Sirloin: This cut of beef is lean and tender, perfect for stir-frying. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce well.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onion, broccoli, and snap peas add color, texture, and nutrients to the stir fry. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch creates a flavorful sauce that coats the beef and vegetables. Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste preference.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor to the dish and is a key ingredient in many Asian stir fry recipes.
- Oyster Sauce: Provides a rich, savory flavor that complements the beef and vegetables. It adds depth to the sauce.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and a hint of spice to the sauce, balancing out the flavors. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish. It is often used in small amounts as a finishing oil in stir fry recipes.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, helping it cling to the beef and vegetables and creating a glossy finish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the beef and vegetables. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the dish. Minced garlic is often used in stir fry recipes for its strong flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish. It pairs well with the other flavors in the sauce.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles to make it a complete meal. Rice noodles or egg noodles are good options.
This quick beef stir fry is a versatile dish that you can customize based on your preferences. You can add or substitute other vegetables, adjust the amount of sauce, or add more spices to suit your taste. It’s a delicious and easy meal that you can make in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you’re craving a flavorful stir fry.
