Name: Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil); 0.3 oz garlic (2 cloves); 0.2 oz ginger (1/2 Tbsp minced); sesame seeds (to taste, raw or toasted)

There’s something so satisfying about a quick, flavorful skillet meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas — that’s exactly what this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe delivers. It’s simple, colorful, and just the right mix of sweet and savory, making it a go-to dinner that everyone will love.

A black bowl filled with white steamed rice as the bottom layer. On top, there is a colorful mix of dark brown stir-fried beef strips, bright red and green bell pepper slices, orange carrot strips, light green scallions, and translucent cooked onions. The beef and vegetables are coated in a shiny sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds, adding texture. In the background, there is another bowl with the same dish. The surface beneath the bowls is a white marbled texture. 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

This easy beef stir fry is one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want something quick but still satisfying. It balances tender, juicy beef with vibrant veggies and a sauce that hits just the right notes—making weeknight dinners feel a little special.

Speedy Prep & Cook Time: You can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Flavorful Sauce Blend: The mix of hoisin, soy, and rice vinegar creates a sweet and tangy sauce that clings to every bite.
Customizable Veggies: Bell peppers and onions add crunch and color, but you can swap veggies to suit your taste or pantry.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well in the fridge and even reheats beautifully, making leftovers a win.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really makes a difference here — fresh bell peppers give a sweet crunch, while the combination of soy, hoisin, and vinegar layers in that classic stir-fry tang. Each element has a purpose to balance texture and flavor perfectly.

Flat lay of a fresh raw beef steak cut into thick strips, a small pile of vibrant mixed bell peppers in red, yellow, and green, a peeled small white onion quartered, several bright green onion stalks with roots trimmed, two whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small mound of finely minced fresh ginger, a small heap of light brown sesame seeds, a small white ceramic bowl of golden sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark glossy hoisin sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of deep brown soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, all arranged with perfect symmetry, balanced proportions 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: I prefer flank or sirloin for tenderness; slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature to stir-fry dishes; a little goes a long way.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce, creating that glossy, clingy coating.
Baking soda: A tip I learned to keep the beef extra tender—just a pinch works wonders.
Sea salt: Balances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory, it forms the flavor base; oyster sauce is a great alternative if you prefer.
Soy sauce: Essential for that umami depth and saltiness.
Rice vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with a subtle tang; you can substitute apple cider vinegar or Shaoxing wine quietly for different notes.
Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and salt.
Water & additional cornstarch: Used to create the perfect stir-fry sauce consistency.
Bell peppers (mixed colors): Their crisp texture and vibrant color light up the dish visually and add freshness.
Onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth when sautéed.
Green onions: Stirred in last for a fresh bite and mild onion flavor.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil is perfect for high-heat cooking, helping everything cook evenly without burning.
Garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that bring warmth and a touch of zing to every bite.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but toasted seeds add nutty crunch and a great finishing touch.

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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 my favorite things about this easy beef stir fry recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap in whatever veggies I have on hand or adjust the sweetness and heat to match my mood or the season.

Variation: I once swapped the bell peppers for broccoli florets and snow peas for a crunchier twist that my family adored.
Spicy Kick: Adding a splash of chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chilies turns this into a fiery favorite.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari sauce instead of soy to keep the sauce gluten-free without losing flavor.
Protein Swap: You can easily substitute chicken or tofu for the beef if you want a different protein or vegetarian version.

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

The image shows a black bowl filled with a layer of white rice at the bottom. On top of the rice, there is a mixture of cooked beef strips and colorful bell pepper slices in red, green, yellow, and orange. The beef and peppers are coated with a shiny brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. To the left, a pair of dark wooden chopsticks rests on the side of the bowl, which sits on a white marbled surface. Below the bowl is a black pan filled with more of the same beef and pepper mixture, slightly glossy with the brown sauce. A green cloth napkin is placed near the pan. The scene is clean and brightly lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Beef and Sauce

Start by thinly slicing your beef steak against the grain — this keeps it tender once cooked. Toss the slices with sesame oil, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt, then let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prep everything else. Meanwhile, whisk together your hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and the extra cornstarch in a small bowl. This sauce blend will give your stir fry that perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Quickly on High Heat

Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat until shimmering. Spread the beef slices out in a single layer — don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of sear. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through but still juicy. Remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the veggies soften slightly but still retain their vibrant color and crunch. This step is where the dish gets its signature bright and fresh bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the beef to the pan, pour your sauce over everything, and toss well to coat. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Finish by stirring in sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite noodles.

Top Tip

After cooking this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few simple tricks to keep your stir fry tasting restaurant-quality every time.

Use High Heat: Getting your pan nice and hot before adding ingredients prevents sogginess and keeps beef tender and veggies crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if needed ensures the beef sears properly, not steams.
Slice Beef Thin & Against the Grain: This simple step makes all the difference in tenderness.
Let the Sauce Thicken: Toss continuously once you add the sauce so it clings evenly to every piece.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions over the top right before serving. They add a little crunch and fresh color that make the dish feel elevated without any extra effort.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, but I also enjoy it over egg noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of simple cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this easy beef stir fry in individual lettuce cups for a fun finger-food style twist. It’s also great layered over rice in a colorful bowl with extra fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a bright, festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. I keep mine in the fridge and they stay good for up to 4 days — the flavors somehow deepen overnight, making for an even tastier second meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this, I recommend packing the stir fry separate from rice or noodles to avoid sogginess later. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and veggies crisp — avoid the microwave if you can, but if needed, do short bursts to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cut of beef for an easy beef stir fry recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best because they’re tender when sliced thin and cook quickly. Avoid tougher cuts because they can be chewy unless cooked low and slow, which is not ideal for a quick stir fry.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce in the stir-fry sauce. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or snap peas makes it hearty and delicious.

How do I keep the beef tender and avoid it getting rubbery?

The key is slicing the beef thinly against the grain and marinating briefly with cornstarch and baking soda, which tenderizes the meat. Also, cook the beef quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking it.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep by slicing the beef and chopping veggies in advance and storing them in separate containers in the fridge. The sauce can be mixed ahead too. Then, stir fry quickly when ready to eat, making dinner a breeze.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this easy beef stir fry recipe is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate — it’s quick, packed with flavor, and makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser and suits nearly any schedule or craving. Once you give it a try, I bet it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation, just like it has in mine.