basic beef stir fry recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
basic beef stir fry recipe
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The Best basic beef stir fry recipe

I’ve been making this basic beef stir fry recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. It’s a staple in our household, and I love how easy it is to whip up a big batch on the weekends.

The kids can’t get enough of the savory flavors and crunchy textures, and my husband appreciates how quickly I can get dinner on the table after a long day at work. I’ve learned that this recipe is just as great for a weeknight dinner as it is for a special occasion like a birthday party or holiday gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly customizable, so everyone can add their favorite ingredients to make it their own. My daughter loves adding extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots, while my son prefers to load up on meatballs or cooked chicken.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many Asian cultures, and its origins date back to the early days of Chinese cooking when stir-frying was a key method of preparing food quickly over high heat. The resulting dish is always full of flavor and has just the right balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami tastes.

Basic Beef Stir Fry

Basic Beef Stir Fry

4.7 from 864 votes

A simple and delicious beef stir fry recipe with tender beef and colorful vegetables. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

1 lb beef (sliced thinly against the grain
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Stir Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions (chopped for garnish)

For Serving

4 servings cooked rice

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
2Mix well to coat the beef evenly.
3Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
4The beef should be tender and slightly firm to the touch.
5Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
6Add the marinated beef in a single layer.
7Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
8Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
9In the same wok, add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they become translucent.
10Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
11Add the mixed vegetables to the wok.
12Stir fry for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly crisp.
13You should see bright colors and a slight char on some vegetables.
14In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch slurry.
15Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and stir well to combine with the vegetables.
16Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
17The sauce should coat the vegetables evenly and have a glossy appearance.
18Return the cooked beef to the wok.
19Stir well to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
20Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
21Add salt and pepper to taste.
22The beef should be evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
23Transfer the beef stir fry to a serving dish.
24Garnish with chopped green onions.
25Serve hot over cooked rice.
26The dish should have a vibrant appearance with a mix of colors from the vegetables.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Wok or large skillet
Wooden spoon
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: To make the beef more tender, slice it thinly against the grain. You can also add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms.

This basic beef stir fry recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months. When reheating, be sure to add some fresh veggies like green onions or scallions on top for added flavor and texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Beef Stir Fry

Q: What type of beef works best in this stir fry recipe?

A: You can use any cut of beef you like, but thinly sliced pieces work best for this recipe. Try using ribeye or sirloin for the best results.

Q: Can I use pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store?

A: Yes, you can definitely use pre-cut vegetables to save time. Just be sure to choose fresh-looking pieces that will hold up well in the stir-fry process.

Q: How do I prevent my stir-fry from becoming too oily?

A: To avoid an oily mess, be sure to cook your ingredients over high heat until they’re done quickly, then remove them from the wok or skillet as soon as possible.

Q: Can I serve this dish with rice or noodles?

A: Absolutely! Serve your stir-fry over steaming hot rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to cook.

Q: Can I add other seasonings or spices to this recipe?

A: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or spices to give your stir-fry a unique flavor.

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