Beef Stir Fry

Beef Stir Fry

A classic, reliable beef stir fry loaded with crisp, colorful vegetables and tender strips of beef in a savory, glossy sauce. This home-kitchen-friendly version uses simple pantry staples and a trusty skillet or wok to deliver big restaurant-style flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min · Total 35 min

Main Course

Beef Marinade

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda for velveting — tenderizes the beef

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Main

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced into thin strips
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and sliced into thin strips
  • 2 cup broccoli florets cut into small, even pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion halved and sliced into half-moons
  • 2 cup snap peas trimmed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 stalks green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Wok
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced beef in a #[Mixing Bowl]. Add the @[Soy Sauce], @[Cornstarch], @[Sesame Oil], and @[Baking Soda]. Toss well to coat every strip evenly. Let the beef marinate at room temperature for at least ~[15 minutes] (or up to ~[30 minutes]). The @[Baking Soda] is the secret to restaurant-style tender beef — don't skip it.
  2. In a small #[Mixing Bowl] or #[Measuring Cups], whisk together the @[Soy Sauce], @[Oyster Sauce], @[Hoisin Sauce], @[Brown Sugar], @[Cornstarch], @[Beef Broth], @[Sesame Oil], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using) until the @[Cornstarch] is fully dissolved and no lumps remain. Set aside — the sauce comes together fast once cooking starts, so have it ready to go.
  3. Heat a large #[Wok] or wide #[Skillet] over ^[high heat] until it just begins to smoke. Add ~[1 tablespoon] of the @[Vegetable Oil] and swirl to coat. Add the @[Broccoli Florets] and @[Yellow Onion], stir-frying for ~[2–3 minutes] until the @[Broccoli Florets] is bright green and slightly tender but still has a bite.
  4. Add the @[Red Bell Pepper] and @[Snap Peas]. Stir-fry for another ~[1–2 minutes] until just tender-crisp. Transfer all the vegetables to a plate and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Vegetable Oil] to the hot #[Wok]. Add the @[Garlic] and @[Green Onions] and stir-fry for ~[30 seconds] until fragrant.
  6. Add the marinated beef to the #[Wok] in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for ~[1 minute] to develop color, then stir-fry for another ~[1–2 minutes] until just cooked through and no longer pink.
  7. Return the cooked vegetables to the #[Wok] with the beef. Give the sauce a quick re-whisk (the @[Cornstarch] settles), then pour it over everything. Toss and stir-fry constantly for ~[1–2 minutes] until the sauce thickens, turns glossy, and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
  8. Remove from heat immediately. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sliced @[Green Onions] and toasted @[Sesame Seeds]. Enjoy right away for the best texture.