Name: Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 20 oz beef steak; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce); 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or Shaoxing wine); 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or honey or maple syrup or a sugar alternative); 1 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot flour or tapioca starch); 1 Tbsp water; 11 oz bell peppers (mixed colors); 4 oz onion (1 small); 1.4 oz green onions; 0.3 oz garlic (2 cloves); 0.2 oz ginger (1/2 Tbsp minced); 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); Sesame seeds (to taste, raw or toasted)

There’s something so satisfying about a sizzling skillet filled with tender beef, crisp veggies, and that perfect punchy sauce. This Beef Stir Fry Recipe is just that—fast, flavorful, and a total winner for dinner any night of the week.

A black bowl holds a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is white steamed rice with a soft and fluffy texture, and the top layer is stir-fried beef strips coated in a glossy dark brown sauce. Mixed with the beef are colorful slices of bell peppers in green, red, and orange, along with light green scallions and translucent cooked onions, adding a mix of smooth and crisp textures. White sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly over the beef and vegetables, adding small bright dots. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a second similar bowl is partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I whipped up this beef stir fry—it came together so quickly, yet tasted like I’d spent hours in the kitchen. It’s that magic of stir fry: fast, fresh, and totally customizable.

Speedy Cooking: Ready in just 25 minutes, this meal fits perfectly into even the busiest weeknights.
Perfectly Tender Beef: A quick marinade with cornstarch and baking soda helps you get melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
Vibrant Veggies: Colorful bell peppers and onions keep things fresh and add a nice crunch.
Flavor Packed Sauce: The balance of hoisin, soy, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness makes the sauce unforgettable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination works like a charm: the beef gets tender and flavorful, the veggies stay crisp, and the sauce ties it all together with that perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy. I always keep an eye out for fresh bell peppers in mixed colors—they really brighten the dish visually and in taste.

Flat lay of a fresh, raw beef steak cut into strips, a small mound of mixed color bell peppers sliced, one whole small yellow onion, a few whole green onions, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small piece of fresh ginger root, a handful of raw sesame seeds scattered, small white ceramic bowls containing clear vegetable oil, dark soy sauce, thick hoisin sauce, pale brown sugar, translucent rice vinegar, light golden sesame oil, white cornstarch powder, coarse sea salt crystals, and a small bowl of water, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef steak: I prefer flank or sirloin for quick cooking and tenderness—slice against the grain for the best texture.
Sesame oil: Adds that distinctive nutty aroma that's classic in stir fry dishes.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and also thickens the sauce beautifully.
Baking soda: A small secret weapon to keep your beef extra tender.
Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a deep sweetness and umami richness; oyster sauce works wonderfully too.
Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, choose low-sodium if preferred.
Rice vinegar: Adds a bright tang; apple cider vinegar or Shaoxing wine can be great substitutes.
Brown sugar: Balances the sharpness with just enough sweetness; honey or maple syrup also work well.
Water: Thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors for eye appeal and their natural sweetness.
Onion: Adds depth and a hint of sharpness when cooked.
Green onions: Sprinkle at the end for that fresh bite and pop of color.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral high-heat oil like canola for stir frying.
Garlic: Fresh, minced for that punch of fragrance.
Ginger: Adds zing and warmth that lifts the whole dish.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for crunch and an extra nutty finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this beef stir fry recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I swap in different veggies or play with the sweetness level in the sauce — you can truly make it your own!

Variation: I often add snap peas or mushrooms to up the veggie quota, and it never disappoints.
Spicy kick: For a bit of heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce with the garlic and ginger.
Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and arrowroot flour in place of cornstarch for an allergy-friendly version.
Low-carb: Skip the sugar or use a sugar alternative, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of noodles or white rice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice topped with a mix of stir-fried dark brown beef strips and colorful bell peppers in red, green, and orange, all coated in a glossy sauce. The dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Two dark brown chopsticks rest to the left of the bowl on a white marbled surface, with part of a black skillet containing the same stir-fried beef and peppers visible at the bottom. A green cloth napkin is placed near the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Beef

First, slice your beef steak thinly against the grain—this helps keep it tender and easy to chew. Toss the slices in a mix of cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. I like to let it sit for about 10 minutes while I prep the veggies so the beef absorbs the tenderizing marinade.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

While the beef marinates, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, a bit more cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Whisk it until smooth—this sauce will give the stir fry its signature glaze and flavor punch.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add garlic and ginger first to release their aroma, then toss in the beef in a single layer. Resist crowding the pan; you might need to cook the beef in batches. Stir fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just browned but not fully cooked through—this keeps it juicy.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed, then stir fry the mixed bell peppers and onions until they’re tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. You want to keep their bright color and crunch—it’s the best part!

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Return the beef to the pan, pour over the sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats each piece beautifully. Toss in chopped green onions, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds, and you’re ready to eat!

Top Tip

Over the years, I've learned that timing is everything with a beef stir fry. Here are my go-to tips that make this recipe foolproof:

Don't crowd the pan: Cooking beef in batches keeps it from steaming and turning chewy.
Slice thinly against the grain: This simple trick makes all the difference in tenderness.
High heat is your friend: It locks in juices and creates that irresistible sear.
Prep everything before cooking: Stir frying happens fast, so have all your ingredients ready to go.

How to Serve Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions—it adds a fresh crunch and makes the dish look irresistible on the plate. Sometimes I toss in a few chili flakes for a little heat, too.

Side Dishes

Serve this beef stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice or chewy noodles to soak up all that wonderful sauce. For a low-carb option, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice work amazingly well alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, try plating the beef stir fry in small bowls topped with sprigs of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side. Or serve it wrapped up in lettuce cups for a fresh handheld twist that guests always love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover beef stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sauce intact and just reheat gently to keep the beef tender and veggies crisp.

Freezing

If I’m freezing, I usually do it before adding green onions and sesame seeds, as those are best fresh. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and it freezes well for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if you can; the texture holds up so much better on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for this Beef Stir Fry Recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin works best due to their quick cooking time and tenderness. Remember to slice against the grain for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce. Increase the veggies for a hearty, plant-based stir fry.

How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

Cook the beef in thin slices over high heat and in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Stir fry for just 2-3 minutes until browned but still slightly pink inside before finishing with the sauce.

What sides go best with Beef Stir Fry Recipe?

Classic jasmine rice or noodles are perfect for soaking up the stir fry sauce. For a lighter option, steamed greens or cauliflower rice are delicious complements.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Stir Fry Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for a reason—it’s quick, reliable, and always gets rave reviews. I love sharing it with friends because it’s so approachable, yet full of flavor. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become one of your go-to meals too.