Name: Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 20 oz beef steak; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 Tbsp sesame oil; 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); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); Sesame seeds (to taste, raw or toasted)

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a homemade stir fry that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in no time. This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe nails that perfect balance—tender, juicy beef meeting vibrant veggies in a luscious, savory sauce. Trust me, it’s a weeknight game-changer you’re going to want in your regular rotation.

A black bowl filled with a base layer of white, fluffy rice. On top, there is a colorful mix of stir-fried beef strips coated in a shiny brown sauce, scattered with sesame seeds. Among the beef, there are thin strips of red, green, and orange bell peppers, along with some green onions and translucent cooked onions, adding bright colors and varied textures. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with part of a second bowl of the same dish blurred 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 Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of stir fries over the years, but this one stands out because it’s effortlessly delicious, fast, and uses ingredients you probably have on hand. The sauce hits that magical balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, while the beef stays juicy and tender—not always easy to pull off!

Speedy Prep & Cooking: You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
Tender Beef Every Time: The baking soda trick in the marinade makes the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Vibrant Veggies: Bell peppers and onions keep things colorful, crunchy, and full of nutrients.
Customizable Sauce: You can tweak the sweetness or tanginess easily to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this dish is really in the harmony between the juicy beef, crisp vegetables, and a sauce that’s savory with just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Here’s why each ingredient matters and some tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh raw beef steak strips, a small white bowl of glossy hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl with golden brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl with translucent cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl of golden sesame oil, a small white bowl of bright vegetable oil, vibrant mixed-color bell peppers sliced, a peeled small yellow onion quartered, fresh green onions whole, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small pile of minced fresh ginger, and scattered raw sesame seeds, 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 use flank or sirloin because they slice thin easily and cook quickly while staying tender.
Sesame Oil: Adds that nutty, toasty aroma—just a little goes a long way for rich flavor.
Cornstarch: Coats the beef creating a silky texture and helps thicken the sauce without clumps.
Baking Soda: Sounds odd but it tenderizes the beef beautifully—don’t skip this step!
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors—use it sparingly if you want less sodium.
Hoisin Sauce: Gives depth and a sweet-savory backbone but oyster sauce works well too.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness—opt for low-sodium if preferred.
Rice Vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness, but apple cider vinegar or Shaoxing wine are good swaps.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens naturally, though honey or maple syrup can lend a nice twist.
Water: Helps blend and dilute the sauce for a perfect consistency.
Mixed Bell Peppers: Use a combo of colors for vibrant crunch and a subtle sweetness.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of bite.
Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the finished dish.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral high-heat oil for stir-frying without burning.
Garlic and Ginger: Classic aromatics bringing warmth, zest, and a little kick.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and that extra layer of nutty flavor.

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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 the best things about this easy beef stir fry recipe? It’s a fantastic blank canvas. I often switch up the veggies or sauce ingredients to keep it interesting and to fit what’s in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken or even tofu when I want a lighter or vegetarian option—it still tastes amazing!
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies gives it a lovely heat that I adore on chilly nights.
Seasonal Veggies: Try swapping the peppers for snap peas or broccoli when they’re in season for different textures and tastes.
Sauce Swap: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness that I fell in love with last winter.

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

A round black bowl filled with a base layer of white rice topped with a colorful stir-fry mixture of brown beef strips and thin slices of red, green, and orange bell peppers scattered on top, garnished with a few white sesame seeds. Next to the bowl, on a white marbled surface, lie a pair of dark wooden chopsticks placed diagonally. Below the bowl, there is a black pan filled with the same stir-fry mixture showing the shiny, saucy texture of the beef and vegetables. A folded dark green cloth napkin is placed beside the pan. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Beef Like a Pro

Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain—that keeps it tender. Toss it with baking soda and a little cornstarch, then let it rest for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This step makes the beef incredibly juicy and tender, something I definitely noticed the first time I tried it.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Sauce

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and a bit more cornstarch to make your stir fry sauce. Give it a good stir so everything dissolves smoothly. Having this ready before you hit the pan makes the cooking flow much simpler.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear quickly until just browned but not fully cooked—about 1-2 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside. This quick sear locks in the beef’s juices and stops it from overcooking later.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Aromatics and Veggies

In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed and toss in your minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t walk away or it might burn! Then add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir fry until veggies are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes, keeping them vibrant and crunchy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the beef to the pan, pour in your sauce, and toss everything together quickly to coat. The cornstarch in the sauce will thicken as it heats, creating that signature silky stir fry glaze. Cook for another minute until everything’s heated through—then you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to really level up this easy beef stir fry recipe and make sure every batch turns out fantastic.

Marinate with Baking Soda: This simple step is what I credit for super tender beef—it’s a total game changer.
High Heat is Key: Keeping your pan screaming hot helps sear the beef quickly without drying it out.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure a good sear.
Fresh Veggies, Fresh Taste: Adding the veggies last preserves their crunch and vibrant color—don’t overcook them!

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top—that little crunch and nutty flavor is the perfect finishing touch. Sometimes, I throw on a handful of freshly chopped green onion or a drizzle of a little extra sesame oil to make it pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are fluffy steamed jasmine rice or simple noodles tossed with a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil. For a veggie boost, lightly steamed bok choy or snap peas complement this dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this stir fry over a bed of cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist. It’s also fun to plate it family-style in a big bowl with an array of colorful garnishes for everyone to help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 2-3 days, and I love having it ready for a quick lunch or second dinner. Just make sure to reheat the beef gently so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times—just portion it out before freezing in freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, the texture is a bit softer but still delicious. Just avoid freezing any rice or noodles with it to keep them from getting mushy.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a hot skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce and keep everything juicy. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef works best for this stir fry?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they’re lean, easy to slice thin, and cook quickly while staying tender. Avoid tougher cuts unless thinly sliced and marinated well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your hoisin or oyster sauce is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate it briefly with baking soda and cornstarch. Also, don’t overcook the beef; sear it quickly over high heat and finish cooking with the sauce just before serving.

What sides go best with this easy beef stir fry recipe?

Steamed jasmine rice or simple noodles tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce pair perfectly. For veggies, lightly steamed bok choy, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad add freshness and balance the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight lineup because it’s reliable, fast, and incredibly flavorful — exactly what you want after a busy day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and feel free to tweak it until it’s just right for your tastes. Cooking this is like a little reward in my busy schedule, and I think you’ll feel the same way once you try it!