Name: Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 20 oz beef steak; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 3 Tbsp hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce); 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar/Shaoxing wine); 1 Tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup/a sugar alternative); 1 Tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot flour/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 Tbsp sesame oil; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); sesame seeds (to taste, raw or toasted)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a quick, flavorful dinner that feels a little fancy yet comes together in no time. This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is just that—a perfect weeknight meal packed with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen.

A black bowl holds a bed of white rice as the bottom layer, topped with sizzling strips of dark brown beef mixed with colorful bell pepper slices in red, green, yellow, and orange, along with pieces of translucent onion and green onion. The beef and vegetables are coated in a shiny sauce, and the dish is sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Behind this bowl, part of a second bowl with similar contents is visible. Both bowls sit on a white marbled surface. 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

What makes this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe so special is how simple it is without skimping on flavor. I love how it transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with juicy, tender beef and vibrant veggies—all coated in a sauce that hits all the right notes.

Speedy Prep: This recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty fast.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet, tangy, and savory sauce keeps every bite interesting and comforting without overwhelming your palate.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Great for Beginners: Don’t worry if stir frying isn’t your usual move—this method is straightforward and forgiving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you look at the ingredients for this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe, you’ll notice it’s a harmony of textures and flavors. Each element plays a role—from tenderizing the beef to adding crunch and freshness with peppers and onions, plus that perfect sauce that ties it all together effortlessly.

Flat lay of fresh beef steak slices, a few mixed color bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), one small whole white onion, several whole green onions, two cloves of garlic, a small knob of fresh ginger, a small white bowl of sesame oil, a small white bowl of hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of soy sauce, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl with brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of water, a small white bowl of raw sesame seeds, and a small white bowl of sea salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 prefer flank or sirloin for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness that gives the stir fry an authentic touch without overpowering other flavors.
Cornstarch: Helps to lightly coat the beef and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
Baking soda: A trick I learned to tenderize the beef even further—it’s so worth including.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without being harsh.
Hoisin sauce: Or oyster sauce if you prefer, provides richness and a slight sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Soy sauce: Brings the essential umami and saltiness that beef stir fry is known for.
Rice vinegar: Adds bright acidity; apple cider vinegar works too if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand.
Brown sugar: Rounds out the vinegar with a touch of sweetness—feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead.
Bell peppers: Mixed colors make the dish visually appealing and add a fresh, crisp bite.
Onion: A small one gives a mild, sweet sharpness when stir fried.
Green onions: Sprinkled in at the end for that fresh onion flavor and a pop of green color.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the stir fry to cook nicely and quickly.
Garlic & ginger: The dynamic duo bringing warmth and aromatic punch to the dish.
Sesame seeds: Optional but highly recommended for a little extra texture and toasty 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 reasons I keep coming back to this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make totally your own. Whether you like things spicier, sweeter, or packed with a different mix of veggies, this recipe welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping out bell peppers for snap peas or broccoli for a different crunch and it’s always delicious.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check the hoisin sauce for GF labels.
For extra heat: Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha into the sauce to crank up the spice.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef with extra-firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based twist.

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

A black bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white fluffy rice, the middle layer is brown glossy strips of meat with green, red, and yellow bell pepper slices mixed in, and the top layer is sprinkled white sesame seeds. Next to the bowl are dark wooden chopsticks resting on a white marbled surface. Below the bowl, a black pan holds more of the same meat and pepper mix, showing rich colors and some sauce shine. A green cloth is placed near the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Beef for Tenderness and Flavor

Start by slicing your steak thinly against the grain—this helps the beef stay tender. Toss the strips with baking soda and salt, then sprinkle the cornstarch on top and gently mix to coat. I let this rest for around 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients; it’s a small step that truly makes a difference in tenderness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, one tablespoon of cornstarch, and water. Stir until smooth. This sauce is where all the magic happens—it’s balanced with sweet, savory, and tangy notes that cling beautifully to the beef and veggies.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, add the beef in a single layer. You’ll want to cook it quickly—about 2-3 minutes—until it's browned but not cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced onions and mixed bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but still keep a bit of crunch—this texture contrast is what I love about stir fry.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together quickly. The sauce will thicken and coat the ingredients after another couple of minutes—make sure you stir constantly to keep it from sticking or burning. Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for that final burst of flavor and crunch.

Top Tip

Having made this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few handy tricks to help it turn out perfectly every time. These tips have saved me from soggy veggies and tough beef more than once.

Patience with the beef: Letting the baking soda tenderize the beef before cooking helps it stay juicy and tender, which makes all the difference.
High heat is your friend: Cooking the beef and veggies quickly over high heat keeps the stir fry crisp and colorful rather than soggy.
Don’t crowd the pan: Stir frying in batches ensures everything sears properly and cooks evenly.
Constant stirring: Keeps the sauce from burning and helps it coat every ingredient with that irresistible glaze.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this beef stir fry with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and color pop. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil if I want to spice things up.

Side Dishes

Rice is my classic partner here—jasmine or basmati are perfect. But don’t sleep on serving it with steamed noodles or even cauliflower rice if you're cutting carbs. A simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies add a refreshing contrast on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, try serving the stir fry in individual lettuce cups. It makes the meal interactive and adds an extra crunchy texture that guests rave about. I’ve also plated it over soba noodles for a casual Asian-inspired bowl that looks restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 2 days. The beef and veggies keep their texture surprisingly well when reheated gently.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze stir fry too often, it does freeze okay if you want to prep in bulk. Just be aware the bell peppers might soften more upon thawing. Reheat straight from frozen on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is quickly in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. This helps refresh the veggies and brings back some of the crispy edges on the beef. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but stir well afterward to distribute the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are all great because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts that require long cooking times.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your hoisin or oyster sauce is gluten-free. This way, you keep all the flavor while avoiding gluten.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Tenderizing the beef with baking soda before cooking and slicing it thinly against the grain helps keep it tender. Also, don’t overcook—sear it quickly over high heat for just a couple of minutes.

Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini are all great substitutes or additions depending on what you have on hand or what you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s packed with flavor but still simple enough for a busy weeknight. I’m confident you’ll find it as comforting and versatile as I do—give it a try and let it become your new kitchen favorite!