The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (2024)

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This Beef Stir Fry is literally the best stir fry you’ll ever try. It cooks in under 30 minutes, is rich in flavors and reheats amazingly well.

This Beef Stir Fry doesn’t stand far from the Beef Lo Mein Recipe; it’s just as delicious, and I am excited for all of you to try both recipes.

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (1)

Beef stir fry recipe came one day out of the love we have for Beef Lo Mein. As always, we were trying to cut out carbs, and we knew that stir fry would be the best option. Kids can choose to have it with rice, and we like to load up on veggies.

p.s. If you love beefy recipes, you will love our Philly Cheesesteak Recipe!

Beef Stir Fry Consists Of

  • beef
  • carrots
  • snow peas
  • onion
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • brown sugar
  • sesame oil

How to Make Beef Stir Fry

On a hot skillet, cook beef until golden brown. Add soy sauce, brown sugar and sesame oil. Remove from skillet. Cook veggies until they soften, add soy sauce to the mixture. Add beef to the cooking veggies and serve while the dish is still warm.

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (2)

Beef to Choose for the Best Beef Stir Fry

The key to making beef tender in a stir fry is to make sure that you slice it properly. Remember to slice it thinly and against the grain (or the muscle fibers in the meat). Pretty much any cut of meat will work for Beef Stir Fry:

  • Sirloin Steak (my go-to!): A lean, juicy and mid-priced cut. Also good for grilling or making into kebabs/skewers.
  • Chuck Steak: A lean, chewy and budget-friendly steak. Since this cut comes from the shoulder region of the cow, it can be a bit tougher. However, when allowed to marinate overnight, this cut can be tender and juicy. Try to find a chuck steak that was cut from the top shoulder blade, which contains the most fat marbling in the chuck region.
  • Tri-tip: A large, triangular and mid-priced cut. It’s boneless and fairly tender. Tri-tip is most popular on the grill.
  • Ribeye: A rich, fully-marbled and more expensive cut. This cut is so deliciously tender that it is often eaten all on its own.
  • Flank Steak: A lean, boneless and budget-friendly cut. Flank steak is cut pretty thin, which makes it perfect for stir fry.

The Secret to the Best Sauce for The Beef Stir Fry

The secret is always in the sauce! Sesame oil provides a nutty flavor, soy sauce gives the Asian flare and sugar balances out the savory-ness of the garlic and onion. The key to making a great Asian-inspired sauce is to always make sure there is a bit of sweet (typically brown sugar) complimenting the salty.

Serveing Best Beef Stir Fry

Pair the Best Beef Stir Fry with white or brown rice. Cutting carbs? Prepare some cauliflower rice!

Try These Similar Recipes

  • Simple Yakisoba Noodles Recipe
  • Ground Beef Stir Fry
  • Korean Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles Recipe
  • Mongolian Beef
  • Salmon Stir Fry

Recipe

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (3)

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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Servings

6 Servings

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

This Beef Stir Fry is literally the best stir fry you'll ever try. It cooks in under 30 minutes, is rich in flavors and reheats amazingly well.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb flank beef
  • 2 carrots
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 lb snow peas
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • oil for frying
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sweet ginger seasoning (or any other Asian seasoning)

US UnitsMetric

Instructions

  • Prepare all ingredients for the recipe. Cut beef into thin strips.

  • Preheat the skillet with olive oil and cook beef until it's cooked through. Season with Asian seasoning. To the cooking beef, add brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and sesame oil. Cook until the beef is browned and remove beef from the skillet.

  • Dice carrots into thin strips and dice onions into half rings. Cook onions in the skillet on a medium heat until they’re softened, add carrots and cook until they’re also softened.

  • Stir in snow peas, season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Press garlic into the mixture and stir to combine. Add beef into the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.

  • Serve warm over white rice.

Nutrition Facts

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 478 Calories from Fat 288

% Daily Value*

Fat 32g49%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Cholesterol 107mg36%

Sodium 623mg26%

Potassium 696mg20%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 29g58%

Vitamin A 4260IU85%

Vitamin C 47.9mg58%

Calcium 117mg12%

Iron 5.7mg32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Posted August 23, 2019

About Author

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (9)

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.

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  1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (16)

    LizFeb 2, 2024

    I'd like to make this beef stir fry using chuck steak. You suggest marinating the beef overnight if I use chuck. What do I use for a marinade?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (17)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 2, 2024

      Hi Liza, I would suggest cutting it very thin agains the grain. This will ensure that the beef is tender. I would do 1/3 of the potion of the sauce ingredients. So 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tbsp brown sugar and let it sit. I haven't tried this method but I am pretty sure it would work. Hope this help 🙂 Please report back!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (19)

      Natalya DrozhzhinNov 3, 2023

      Hi Karina! These ingredients would be fine frozen, however I do think it's best served fresh or even refrigerated for later vs freezing!

  2. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (20)

    Dan JSep 9, 2023

    Is it ok to use Chinese 5 spice instead of ginger?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (21)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 11, 2023

      Hi Dan, I personally would not use it because it would create a different flavor. If you don't have ginger, I would just leave it out.

  3. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (22)

    TendaiJun 20, 2023

    Hey .....can I use ground ginger and slice the green,red pepper and yellow paper and is it okay if I also add BBQ sauce.I also don't have sesame oil can I use vegetable oil or olive oil

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (23)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 20, 2023

      Hi Tendai, The recommended sweet ginger seasoning is a combination of spices, so if you were to substitute it with just ground ginger, I would use about 1/2 tsp. of ground ginger. Or, a better option is freshly grated ginger. Sliced peppers will be a tasty addition to the dish. Feel free to add those. However, I would not add BBQ sauce. For the most Asian inspired flavor, I recommend using sesame oil, but in a pinch, vegetable or olive oil is fine. Hope this helps!

  4. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (24)

    DanMar 23, 2023

    Got my hands on a Chinese cook book but also photographed yer recipes, wish me luck and she she née,

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (25)

      Natalya DrozhzhinMar 23, 2023

      Hi Dan! I am wishing you the best of luck! I hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Enjoy!!

  5. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (26)

    Dennis YanceyMar 12, 2023

    I prepared this dish minus the garlic and onions due to IBS issues. I used a standard bag of stir fry veggies and it was delicious.
    Thanks for the recipe.
    Be blessed

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (27)

      Natalya DrozhzhinMar 12, 2023

      Hi Dennis, I am thrilled that the recipe was a success! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!

  6. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (28)

    CynthiaFeb 3, 2023

    What is sweet ginger seasoning?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (29)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 3, 2023

      Hi Cynthia, Thank you for that question. It is an Asian seasoning. If you have access to an oriental grocery store, they would have it. Or you can get some on Amazon! Hope this helps.

  7. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (30)

    SusanaDec 7, 2022

    I made it and it came out very good. I actually found the sweet ginger seasoning and also used a bit fresh ginger and broccoli/sweet peppers. I mixed in a little soy with cornflour too. Just little things I generally used, added to the already good recipe. Thanks!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (31)

      Natalya DrozhzhinDec 8, 2022

      Hi Susana, Sounds like you made a killer meal! Thank you for sharing your process! Enjoy!

  8. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (32)

    KeithFeb 16, 2022

    I used broccoli snow peas onion and mushrooms. Fresh ginger and rice noodles. It was amazing!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (33)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 16, 2022

      Sounds amazing, Keith! Fresh ginger is always a game change. Thanks for commenting!

  9. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (34)

    DannyJan 22, 2022

    Everyone tried it but wouldn't eat it !! Went by the recipe to a T. I've had better. Sorry

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (35)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJan 23, 2022

      Hello, Danny. Thank you for your feedback, and I'm sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it as you'd hoped! I hope the next recipe you try is more satisfying!

  10. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (36)

    KellyNov 3, 2021

    Really great recipe the family enjoyed it! I used Asian 5 spice seasoning it was perfect! Thank you!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (37)

      Natalya DrozhzhinNov 5, 2021

      Thanks for the feedback, Kelly. I love 5 Spice! I bet it elevated the dish so much. Keep on sharing your variations – these are so helpful.

  11. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (38)

    StephSep 20, 2021

    Switched the snow peas to broccoli, used beef fajitas and it turned out delish. Saving this recipe to prep again. Thanks!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (39)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 21, 2021

      Steph, thank you for sharing this variation with me, sounds delicious! I'm glad you loved the recipe 😊

  12. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (40)

    SusanJun 2, 2021

    Delicious, Easy recipe. I used an Asian spice blend I had and smashed the garlic. Had fillet of beef and it was tender and flavorful. Thanks

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (41)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 2, 2021

      Susan, I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. I am curious what exactly was the Asain spice blend you used? Do you remember what it was called?

  13. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (42)

    MadelaineFeb 26, 2021

    Would just regular ginger work? I don't have any sweet ginger seasoning. Do you have other spice substitutes?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (43)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 28, 2021

      Hey Madelaine, yes you can use fresh ginger, it will work great. Enoy

  14. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (44)

    Charmaine ErskineNov 15, 2019

    Love your recipes but I need to know how many servings (dieting!).

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (45)

      Natalya DrozhzhinNov 16, 2019

      Look up in the gray area where is tells you the cooking time, it says the servings as well. For this recipe its 6.

  15. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (46)

    NelyaJun 22, 2014

    Would it be ok to use top round steak instead of flank steak?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (47)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 22, 2014

      Any cut would work as long as you like how tender it is.

  16. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (49)

    VickJun 4, 2014

    I see pressed garlic can I just dice it instead of using a press?

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (50)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 4, 2014

      Yes, you totally can 😉

  17. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (51)

    Debbie TracyApr 18, 2014

    making this tonight. Looks yummy and easy to prepare!

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (52)

      Natalya DrozhzhinApr 18, 2014

      Hey Debbie, I hope you guys love it just as much as we did. 🙂

    1. The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (54)

      Natalya DrozhzhinApr 3, 2014

      Hi Valentina, totally agree that easy recipes are the best. We could hardly stop our selves from going for refills non-stop.

The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret ingredient in stir-fry beef? ›

But this beef is nothing short of crazy tender and flavorful from one simple step of coating your beef in a little soy and cornstarch before stir frying. Here's how it works: soy sauce: the salt in the soy sauce helps break down the proteins for a more tender texture and infuses the steak with flavor.

What is the secret ingredient in stir-fry? ›

According to Food & Wine, ketchup is the ultimate way to take the flavor of homemade stir fry up a level, thanks to its sweet and sour flavor profile. It just might be the easiest cooking hack to elevate your home cooking to that of your favorite take-out.

What are the 3 rules of stir-frying? ›

Food & Dining

The first is to cook your protein and your vegetable separately, and combine them only after both are fully cooked. A second rule of thumb for stir-frying: Choose one vegetable per stir-fry. Finally, always remember to add liquid only after everything is more or less finished cooking.

How do you make stir-fry beef so it's tender? ›

How to tenderise beef – easily!
  1. Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz sliced economical beef cuts.
  2. Toss with fingers, leave for 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse, pat off excess water.
  4. Proceed with stir fry recipe. It can be marinated with wet or dry seasonings, or cooked plain.
Feb 23, 2019

What makes stir-fry taste better? ›

So I find a lot of flavor comes from the first and last steps in cooking the stir fry. First you want to heat up some aromatics in the wok; I prefer ginger, garlic and chili with stir fry. After you turn the heat off add some rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Sesame oil is amazing.

What not to put in stir-fry? ›

Because stir-frying uses a very high heat, you want a cooking oil that has a high smoke point. Vegetable, canola or peanut oil are my trustee go-tos, and all have a neutral taste, so won't affect flavour. Do not – I repeat, DO NOT – use butter!

What should you not do when stir-frying? ›

Not Preheating the Wok or Pan: A hot wok or pan is essential for stir-frying. Preheat it properly to get a good sear on the ingredients and maintain their crispness. Using the Wrong Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, to prevent burning.

How do I make the perfect stir-fry? ›

How to make a stir-fry
  1. Prepare all the ingredients before turning on the heat. ...
  2. Slice meat and vegetables for maximum surface area. ...
  3. Use a wok or cast-iron pan. ...
  4. The aromatics should be cooked low and slow. ...
  5. But the stir fry needs to be cooked fast and hot. ...
  6. Add ingredients according to cook time. ...
  7. Stir your ingredients often.
Jan 25, 2024

What are the seven common ingredients in a stir-fry? ›

  • Part 1 of 4:Preparing the Ingredients. Select vegetables to use.
  • Almost any combination of vegetables can be used in a stir fry. ...
  • Bell peppers.
  • Snap peas.
  • Carrots.
  • Water chestnuts.
  • Green or red cabbage.
  • Broccoli, or broccoli rabe.
Jan 12, 2024

What thickens stir-fry? ›

Cornstarch! In his book How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, Mark Bittman recommends mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the same amount of water, and tossing this into the stir fry just when it's almost done. It thickens in seconds, picking up the flavors of everything already in the dish and coating evenly.

When should you add soy sauce in stir-fry? ›

Adding soy sauce too early can burn it. Remember, timing is key. Add soy sauce midway for that perfect cook.

What goes first in a stir-fry? ›

Stir-fry onions first, then add hard vegetables such as carrot and broccoli. Quick-cooking vegetables, such as snow peas, leafy greens and bean sprouts, should be added towards the end of cooking. If using vegies that have a combination of both textures, such as gai laan, add the stems first and the leaves later.

Do you add stir-fry sauce before or after? ›

Once the meat is done cooking, add the vegetables to the pan. If you are using fresh vegetables, you will need to stir them around for 4-5 minutes so they start cooking before you add your sauce. When they are starting to feel tender, but still have a lot of bite to them, add the sauce.

Why is Chinese stir-fry beef so tender? ›

This is how to use a cheaper cut of beef/steak, such as rump, for your stir-fry, whilst still ensuring it's soft and tender. After all, no-one wants a chewy stir fry! The method is known as velveting or tenderising. There are a few different ways to velvetise steak – which is a common practice in Chinese restaurants.

How do you make beef stir-fry without it being chewy? ›

How to make beef stir fry tender? For tender beef stir fry, choose a lean cut like skirt steak or flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain. Velvet the beef by marinating it in a mixture of oil, starch, baking soda, and soy sauce for 15 minutes, then quickly pan sear it in a hot pan with oil.

What ingredients make beef tender? ›

Simply soak your beef cuts in these natural tenderisers before cooking, and we guarantee the beef will be fall-apart tender!
  • 1) Tea. Tea contains tannins, which are a natural tenderiser. ...
  • 2) Coffee. ...
  • 3) Cola. ...
  • 4) Pineapple, pawpaw, figs, kiwis. ...
  • 5) Ginger. ...
  • 6) Baking Soda. ...
  • 7) Vinegar. ...
  • 8) Beer or wine.
Nov 9, 2016

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