1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Beef Stir Fry Flavors

Beef Stir Fry Made Easy

Category: Fast, Simple Recipes for Busy Days

This dish features tender beef pieces marinated with soy sauce and cornstarch, then quickly seared to retain juiciness. Fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and onions are stir-fried until crisp-tender, preserving their texture and color. The savory sauce, made with soy sauce, broth, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey, brings a balance of umami and sweetness. Cooking in batches ensures the beef is evenly seared without crowding the pan. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and served alongside steamed rice, this vibrant dish highlights fresh ingredients and simple techniques for a satisfying meal.

Save on Pinterest Share This Recipe Email This Recipe Print This Recipe Go Directly to Recipe
Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:10:11 GMT
A beef stir fry with broccoli and carrots. Save
A beef stir fry with broccoli and carrots. | foodiffy.com

This beef stir fry is a straightforward weeknight dish that brings big flavors with minimal fuss. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for when you want a satisfying home-cooked meal without spending hours over the stove.

I first made this after a busy workday and loved how easily it turned everyday ingredients into a flavorful dinner. It quickly became a favorite in my rotation for busy nights.

Ingredients

  • One pound flank steak skirt steak or top sirloin cut thin against the grain for tenderness:
  • Soy sauce or tamari adds salty umami choose light or low-sodium for a balanced flavor:
  • Cornstarch works as a velveting agent tenderizing the meat for a juicy texture:
  • Ground black pepper to season the beef for a mild kick:
  • Vegetable oil for high heat cooking smokeless and neutral tasting oils work great:
  • Onion adds a sweet aromatic base choose firm onions without soft spots:
  • Red bell pepper contributes bright color and crunch select firm peppers with smooth skin:
  • Carrot brings natural sweetness and texture pick firm carrots with vibrant orange color:
  • Broccoli florets for color and nutrition fresh is best but frozen works in a pinch:
  • Garlic and fresh ginger provide the punch of aroma and warmth freshly minced for best flavor:
  • Rice wine or alternatives like mirin or sherry add a subtle sweetness and depth:
  • Honey or brown sugar for balanced sweetness adjust depending on preference:
  • Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty finish use sparingly for authentic flavor:
  • Chicken or vegetable broth helps build the sauce without adding heaviness:
  • Scallions garnish with bright oniony notes slice thinly for texture:
  • Sesame seeds optional for a nutty crunch and visual appeal:
  • Steamed rice optional for serving helps soak up the sauce and rounds out the meal:

Instructions

Build The Marinade:
In a medium bowl or resealable bag toss the beef with soy sauce ground black pepper and cornstarch. The cornstarch tenderizes the meat preventing it from drying out. Let it rest 15 to 30 minutes to absorb those flavors or chill up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Mix The Stir Fry Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce chicken broth or chosen liquid honey or brown sugar toasted sesame oil minced garlic fresh ginger rice wine and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set this aside while you prepare the rest.
Cook The Beef In Batches:
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add half the beef spreading it out so it sizzles evenly. Let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until golden on one side then toss and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. The beef does not need to be fully cooked at this point. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with the remaining beef adding more oil if needed.
Sauté The Vegetables:
Add the remaining oil to the pan then stir in onions red bell peppers and carrots. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes stirring frequently until onions turn translucent and carrots remain crisp.
Add Broccoli:
Toss in the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender stirring regularly to prevent burning.
Combine Steak And Veggies:
Return the cooked beef along with any juices back to the pan. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Finish With Sauce And Scallions:
Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the mixture. Toss and stir frequently for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in sliced scallions then remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve right away with steamed rice.
A dish of beef and broccoli with a variety of vegetables.
A dish of beef and broccoli with a variety of vegetables. | foodiffy.com

My favorite part is the velveting step with cornstarch it really keeps the beef juicy. This was my go-to dish when my family started gatherings after work. It always sparks lively conversation and seconds around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve crisp vegetables or microwave stirring halfway through.

Ingredient Swaps

Try chicken or firm tofu in place of beef for a different protein option. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it soy-free. Swap broccoli for snap peas or green beans depending on what you have on hand.

Serving Ideas

Serve on fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal. For lighter options try cauliflower rice or toss the stir fry into cooked noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness.

A plate of food with rice and meat.
A plate of food with rice and meat. | foodiffy.com

Enjoy this vibrant beef stir fry that balances flavor and ease for any weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef works best for this stir fry?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or top sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness and ability to absorb marinade flavors well.

→ Why is cornstarch used in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps to 'velvet' the beef, retaining moisture and creating a silky texture during cooking.

→ Can I substitute soy sauce in the sauce and marinade?

Yes, tamari or low-sodium soy sauce can be used depending on taste preferences or dietary needs.

→ How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure quick searing without overcooking.

→ What vegetables pair best in this dish?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and scallions provide color, crunch, and complementary flavors.

Beef Stir Fry Flavors

Tender beef and crisp veggies combined with a flavorful sauce for a quick, delicious meal.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Quick & Easy

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: Chinese

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Beef and Marinade

01 450 grams flank steak, skirt steak, or top sirloin, cut against the grain into bite-sized pieces
02 15 milliliters soy sauce or tamari (regular, light, or low-sodium)
03 8 grams cornstarch or arrowroot
04 0.25 grams ground black pepper

→ Stir Fry Sauce

05 60 milliliters soy sauce or tamari (low-sodium, regular, or light)
06 30 milliliters chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
07 10 milliliters rice wine (Shaoxin) or mirin, rice wine vinegar, or Sherry wine
08 10 milliliters honey or brown sugar
09 10 milliliters toasted sesame oil
10 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
11 10 grams fresh ginger, peeled, minced or grated
12 5 grams cornstarch

→ Vegetables and Other

13 30 milliliters vegetable oil (avocado, grapeseed, or canola), divided
14 1 small to medium onion, sliced
15 1 small to medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
16 1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
17 150 grams broccoli florets
18 2 scallions, thinly sliced
19 Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
20 Steamed rice (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Combine the beef, soy sauce, ground black pepper, and cornstarch in a medium bowl or resealable bag. Toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Step 02

Whisk together soy sauce, broth or water, rice wine, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Heat 15 milliliters of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add half of the beef in a single layer. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden on one side, then toss and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining beef, adding oil if needed. Set cooked beef aside.

Step 04

Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir in onions, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and carrots remain crisp. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 05

Return the cooked beef and juices to the wok. Pour in the stir fry sauce and cook while tossing frequently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in scallions and cook until just combined. Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately with steamed rice if using.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Velveting the beef with cornstarch before cooking tenderizes the meat and keeps it juicy during stir-frying.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large wok or large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains soy and sesame; check labels if allergic.