Beef Stir-fry
Tender slices of lean beef and crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a savory ginger-garlic sauce. This quick and healthy stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 12 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the beef and mix the sauce
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and the Shaoxing wine. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, remaining 2 tsp cornstarch, beef broth, honey, and white pepper. This is your stir-fry sauce.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the beef
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook in two batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until well-browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry the vegetables and aromatics
- b.Add the remaining 0.5 tbsp of vegetable oil to the hot wok.
- c.Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to help them steam slightly.
- d.Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are crisp-tender.
- e.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and finish the stir-fry
- b.Return the seared beef to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the sauce a final whisk, then pour it over everything.
- d.Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- e.Remove from heat, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, and toss to combine.
- f.Garnish with sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the beef for 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Mise en place is key! Have all your vegetables chopped, beef marinated, and sauce mixed before you turn on the heat. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 3Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients. This creates the signature 'wok hei' flavor and prevents the ingredients from steaming.
- 4Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures the beef sears properly, developing a rich, brown crust.
- 5The toasted sesame oil is a finishing oil, not a cooking oil. Adding it at the end preserves its delicate, nutty flavor.
- 6Feel free to swap vegetables based on what you have. Sliced carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn are great additions.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and substitute the Shaoxing wine with dry sherry.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stir-fry sauce for a kick of heat.
low carbLow carb
Omit the honey and cornstarch. Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or with zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious plant-based version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia.
Packed with Vitamins
The variety of colorful vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers supplies essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K, boosting your immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Beef Stir-fry can be very healthy. It's packed with protein from the beef and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of oil keeps it a balanced meal.