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 Tbsp sesame oil; 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); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); Sesame seeds (to taste, raw or toasted)

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a quick sizzle in the pan that turns into a plate full of bold flavors and tender bites. This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is exactly that—it’s fast, packed with texture, and brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that’ll have you coming back for seconds in no time.

A black bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, grainy texture; the middle layer is colorful strips of bell peppers in green, red, yellow, and orange, mixed with small green onions and thinly sliced onions; the top layer consists of dark brown beef strips covered in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and another similar bowl is partially visible 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 seriously love how straightforward this easy beef stir fry recipe is. It’s perfect for when life’s busy but you still want something homemade, delicious, and impressive without fussing for hours. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak whenever you like.

Speedy Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for weeknights or quick lunches.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combo of hoisin, soy, vinegar, and a hint of sweetness creates a sauce that’s balanced and irresistible.
Perfectly Tender Beef: A little baking soda magic in the marinade keeps the steak strips juicy and tender every time.
Customizable Veggies: You can swap in whatever colorful veggies you have on hand—it’s all good here.

Ingredients & Why They Work

I like to think of this recipe as a small orchestra where every ingredient plays a vital role, blending to create a harmonious dish. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp bell peppers and a good-quality steak—usually sirloin or flank steak works beautifully. The sauce ingredients form that perfect tangy-sweet backbone, while the garlic and ginger add that kick you’d expect from a great Asian stir fry.

Flat lay of fresh raw beef steak slices, a small white bowl of sesame oil, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of glossy hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, vibrant mixed-color bell peppers sliced, one small whole yellow onion, a few fresh green onions with green tops, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small fresh ginger root piece, a small white bowl filled with raw sesame seeds placed 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: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank; slice thin against the grain for the best texture.
Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that’s signature in stir-fried dishes.
Cornstarch: Used twice, it helps tenderize the meat initially and later thickens the sauce perfectly.
Baking soda: A secret kitchen trick to keep your beef tender and juicy.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; always pick high-quality salt for the best taste.
Hoisin sauce: Brings rich sweetness and depth; oyster sauce works well if you want a more savory edge.
Soy sauce: The salty, savory umami punch that ties everything together.
Rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity to balance the sauce’s sweetness; apple cider vinegar is a great alternative.
Brown sugar: Sweetens with a molasses touch; honey or maple syrup can swap in easily.
Bell peppers: The star of the veggies, bringing crunch and vibrant color.
Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and texture when cooked just right.
Green onions: Fresh bite and a lovely pop of color.
Vegetable oil: For high-heat cooking; canola works just as well.
Garlic: Essential aromatics to infuse flavor.
Ginger: Adds brightness and a little zing that’s classic in stir fries.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but toasted seeds add a toasty crunch and look pretty sprinkled on top.

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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

This recipe is totally a starting point. Over time, I’ve played with swapping sauces and veggies depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make this easy beef stir fry recipe truly yours by switching up flavors or adding your favorite heat level.

Variation: Once, I added snap peas and carrots for extra crunch and a splash of color—it was refreshing and a hit with guests.
Spicier Version: Toss in some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil if you like a bit of fire.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things lighter on salt without losing that deep umami flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce with tamari, and it works great for gluten-free diets.

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

A white bowl filled with three distinct layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice, the middle layer consists of mixed colorful strips of red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers mixed with onions, and the top layer has brown, glossy strips of cooked meat sprinkled lightly with white sesame seeds. Beside the bowl, two dark wooden chopsticks rest on a white marbled surface. Below the bowl, there is a black pan showing more of the same stir-fry mixture, with shiny, tender meat strips and vibrant vegetables, also sprinkled lightly with sesame seeds. A green cloth napkin lies partially next to the pan, all set on a clean white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Marinate Your Beef

First things first: slice your beef steak thinly against the grain to get those tender bite-sized strips. Toss the slices with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Let them rest for about 10 minutes while you prep your veggies and sauce—this step is key for tender beef that doesn’t turn chewy.

Step 2: Mix Your Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water. This combo thickens into a glossy sauce that clings beautifully to your beef and veggies when cooked.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic and ginger first—sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing (this moment’s always my favorite!).

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Add your marinated beef in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook quickly on high heat until the beef just starts to brown but isn’t fully cooked through—about 2-3 minutes. Set the beef aside to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Veggies

Throw in your sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender—still bright and with a bit of bite. I like mine this way because it adds a lovely freshness and texture.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir everything continuously while cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients nicely. Toss in chopped green onions right at the end and give it a final stir.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your stir fry for that extra nutty crunch and serve immediately—preferably over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized the little details make a big difference in this easy beef stir fry recipe. These small tips can help take it from good to “wow!”

Beef Slicing: Slice the beef extra thin—that’s the secret to tenderness and quick cooking.
Don’t Skip Baking Soda: It really does tenderize the meat—just be sure to rinse it lightly if you marinate longer than 15 minutes.
High Heat Only: Use a very hot pan so the beef sears instead of steams—this preserves texture and flavor.
Sauce Thickening: Mix cornstarch with water before adding it in to avoid any clumps and to achieve a silky sauce.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top—they add texture and a burst of fresh flavor. Sometimes I toss in a few cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant noodles. For an extra veggie boost, I serve with a crisp side salad or simple garlic sautéed greens. It also tastes amazing alongside crispy spring rolls if you’re feeling fancy!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I’ve served this stir fry family-style in a big vibrant platter, surrounded by bowls of colorful sides and dipping sauces. It looks inviting and gets everyone digging in. You can even make lettuce wraps — spoon the stir fry into crisp leaves for a fun handheld option that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before storing so the flavors stay fresh and veggies don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times with decent results. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving straight away to prevent tough beef and soggy veggies. Stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak – just slice thinly against the grain.

What’s the purpose of baking soda in this stir fry?

Baking soda helps tenderize the beef by raising the pH on the meat's surface, which makes it easier to break down proteins and results in more tender, juicy strips when cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

You can make a delicious vegetarian version by substituting beef with tofu, seitan, or tempeh and using a vegetarian-friendly hoisin or soy sauce. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What’s the best way to thicken the stir fry sauce?

The key is mixing cornstarch with water before adding it to the stir fry. This slurry prevents lumps and creates that beautiful glossy finish for the sauce once it cooks and thickens.

Final Thoughts

I honestly keep coming back to this easy beef stir fry recipe when I want something satisfying without a ton of effort. Its simple, vibrant, and always customizable. Give it a whirl on your next busy night—you’ll enjoy the comforting taste and the sheer ease of throwing together a fantastic, wholesome meal. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that instantly makes your whole kitchen smell like a restaurant. What’s not to love?