Savory and Vibrant Beef Stir Fry: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of thinly sliced beef
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
  • 1 cup of snap peas, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup of beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Add the snap peas to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
  8. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Tools for making

  • Frying Pan or Wok - A large frying pan or wok will be used to stir-fry the beef and vegetables.
  • Whisk - A whisk will be used to combine the ingredients for the sauce.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will be needed to prepare and slice the vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife - A sharp knife will be used to slice the beef and vegetables.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Grater - A grater will be used to grate fresh ginger.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to measure the ingredients for the sauce.
  • Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs will be used to stir and flip the beef and vegetables while cooking.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl will be used to whisk together the sauce ingredients.
  • Garnish Tools - Optional tools such as sliced green onions and sesame seeds can be used to garnish the dish.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add different vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn.
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, hoisin, or oyster sauce.
  • Spice it up with chili garlic sauce or sriracha for extra heat.
  • Try marinating the beef in a soy sauce-based marinade for added flavor.
  • Add cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles for a low-carb option.
  • Incorporate aromatics like lemongrass or Thai basil for an Asian-inspired twist.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a sizzling hot plate of Beef Stir Fry, a delightful medley of crisp, colorful, and nutritious vegetables, succulent beef slices, and a flavorful sauce. This Asian-inspired dish guarantees an explosion of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Creating this Beef Stir Fry is an easy and quick process that won't take you more than 30 minutes. You'll start by stir-frying thinly sliced beef until nicely browned, then adding a rainbow of vegetables including bell peppers, carrots, onions, and snap peas. After that, you'll mix everything with a savory sauce that combines the umami of soy sauce with the richness of beef broth, the slight heat of crushed red pepper flakes, and the sweetness of sugar. Finished with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for garnish, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The result is a beautiful, delicious, and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining guests. Serve it hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy creating this delightful dish and happy cooking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or shrimp as a substitute for beef in this recipe.
  2. Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini according to your preference.
  3. Can I make this stir fry spicy? Yes, you can adjust the level of spice by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy chili sauce of your choice.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy stir fry immediately after cooking, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Cook the stir fry just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
  6. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Frying Pan or Wok - A large frying pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
  • Whisk - You'll need a whisk to mix the sauce ingredients together.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for preparing the vegetables and slicing the beef.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the beef and cutting the vegetables.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic for convenience.
  • Grater - A grater is needed to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are required to accurately measure the ingredients for the sauce.
  • Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs will be helpful for stirring and flipping the beef and vegetables while cooking.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
  • Garnish Tools (optional) - If desired, you can use a slicer or knife for thinly slicing green onions and a sprinkle container for sesame seeds.

Origin stories

Stir frying as a cooking method has deep roots in East Asian culinary traditions. Originating from China, it owes its inception to the need for preserving fuel in times of scarcity. Because the technique requires a high flame and rapid stirring, food is cooked quickly, maintaining its nutrients and vibrant colors, while also conserving fuel. Hence, stir frying spread across various Asian countries, each adding their own twist to the technique and ingredients. Beef Stir Fry, as we know it today, is a delightful symphony of these global influences. It not only showcases the simplicity of stir frying, but also the flexibility of the method in embracing a variety of ingredients from different cultures. So every time you make that swift stir in the wok, remember, you're continuing a culinary tradition that has survived centuries and crossed continents!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.