Classic Beef Stir-Fry: A Timeless Recipe for Busy Weeknights

When it comes to quick, delicious, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with a Classic Beef Stir-Fry. This iconic recipe is a staple in many households, offering a perfect balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Classic Beef Stir-Fry, along with tips to make it even more flavorful and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef Stir-Fry

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
3. Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.
4. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the flavorful combination of beef and veggies.

Ingredients for Classic Beef Stir-Fry

To make this Classic Beef Stir-Fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. This ensures the beef stays tender when cooked.
2. Marinate (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the beef in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, honey, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring. This helps develop a nice crust.
3. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef.
2. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the Classic Beef Stir-Fry to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or red pepper flakes if desired.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips for the Perfect Classic Beef Stir-Fry

1. Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This ensures the beef stays tender and the veggies remain crisp.
2. Prep Ahead: Chop all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves fast, so having everything ready is key.
3. Customize Your Veggies: Don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite vegetables, like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
4. Don’t Overcook the Beef: Beef cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can make it tough.
5. Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, simply double the sauce ingredients.

Health Benefits of Classic Beef Stir-Fry

This Classic Beef Stir-Fry isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Protein: Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots provide vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
• Low in Calories: When served with cauliflower rice or a smaller portion of regular rice, this dish can be a lighter option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: Add a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
2. Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry: Swap the sauce for a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. Thai-Inspired Stir-Fry: Add a splash of fish sauce and lime juice, and garnish with fresh basil and cilantro.

Conclusion

The Classic Beef Stir-Fry is a versatile, flavorful, and nutritious dish that deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.

So, the next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, give this Classic Beef Stir-Fry a try. It’s a timeless recipe that never fails to impress. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!

Recipe Card

Classic Beef Stir-Fry: A Timeless Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Asian-inspired

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

25

minutes

A quick and flavorful Classic Beef Stir-Fry recipe with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., canola or peanut oil)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 medium carrot, julienned

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1/4 cup beef broth or water

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Directions

• Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Optionally marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for 10-15 minutes
• Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, honey, and sesame oil in a bowl to make the sauce.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet. Stir-fry broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook 1-2 more minutes. Remove vegetables.
• Heat remaining oil in the same pan. Sear beef in a single layer for 1-2 minutes, then stir until just cooked through.
• Return vegetables to the pan. Pour sauce over the mixture and stir until thickened (1-2 minutes).
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.