Quick Easy Dinner Beef Stir Fry

Name: Quick Easy Dinner Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 3 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup snap peas; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Plate Ideas

I love whipping up this Quick Easy Dinner Beef Stir Fry on busy weeknights when I'm craving something delicious yet simple. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in just about 30 minutes, and it's packed full of vibrant veggies and tender beef. We often customize it based on what’s in the fridge, but the essence remains the same: quick cooking over high heat to lock in flavor and nutrients. This recipe never fails to satisfy my family’s appetite while keeping cleaning to a minimum.

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-02-27T20:29:36.674Z

When I first experimented with this stir fry, I realized how versatile it could be. Using a simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger enables the beef to soak up great flavors and ensures it stays tender during cooking. I often add in whatever vegetables I have handy, which makes it adaptable and quick to pull together.

One tip I've learned is to make sure your pan is extremely hot before adding the beef. This way, you achieve that beautiful sear while sealing in the juices. It’s all about high heat and quick cooking for that authentic stir fry taste!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick preparation makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Packed with healthy veggies for a balanced meal.
Rich umami flavors from the marinade that everyone loves.

Choosing the Right Beef

For this stir fry, beef sirloin is an excellent choice due to its tenderness and rich flavor profile. When shopping, look for cuts with a bit of marbling to ensure juicy results. If sirloin isn’t available, flank or skirt steak can be good alternatives. Just remember to slice against the grain to keep the beef tender after cooking. Slicing thinly is crucial; aim for pieces no thicker than 1/4 inch for quick cooking without becoming tough.

A common challenge when preparing beef stir fry is avoiding overcooked meat. To prevent this, ensure your pan is very hot before adding the beef. You should see immediate sizzling upon contact. Stir frying in batches can help maintain high heat and ensures even cooking. I recommend using a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed wok as they retain heat better and distribute it evenly.

Vegetable Selection and Preparation

Using a mix of colorful vegetables not only enhances the dish’s presentation but also boosts its nutritional value. Bell peppers provide sweetness and crunch, while broccoli and snap peas add a vibrant green contrast. Feel free to experiment with other veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, which can be sautéed similarly. Just be mindful of cooking times; denser vegetables like carrots may need slightly more time to become tender.

When stir frying vegetables, the goal is to achieve a glossy finish while preserving their crispness. Cooking over high heat is essential here, as it allows the vegetables to caramelize slightly while maintaining their texture. I typically look for them to be bright in color and just barely tender. If they seem to be losing their crunch, reduce the cooking time or adjust the heat down slightly to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To make this beef stir fry a complete meal, I often serve it over steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. The sauce from the stir fry soaks into the rice beautifully, elevating the overall flavor. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or even as a filling in lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist. Don't forget to drizzle a bit of extra soy or sesame sauce on top for added flavor!

If you're looking to spice things up, consider adding a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the cooking process for a mild kick. Alternatively, for a sweeter profile, a dash of honey or a splash of teriyaki could be incorporated into the marinade. This adaptability makes the dish versatile for varying palates and dietary needs, allowing for creative reinterpretation each time you make it.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
3 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a little black pepper. Add the sliced beef and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add more oil if necessary and toss in the sliced onions, followed by bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir fry them for about 5-6 minutes until tender yet crisp.

Combine Everything

Return the beef to the pan, add sesame oil, and stir to combine all ingredients. Adjust seasoning, if needed, with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve

Serve the beef stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on what you have available! Carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms also work great in this stir fry.

Storage Tips

Leftover beef stir fry can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down completely before transferring to an airtight container to prevent condensation, which can make the veggies soggy. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This preserves the texture better than microwaving, which can lead to overcooked ingredients.

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, consider marinating the beef the night before and chopping your vegetables a few hours in advance. This will not only save time but also enhance the flavors, as the beef will absorb more of the marinade’s essence. Just remember to store the chopped veggies in a sealed container with a damp paper towel to keep them crisp until you’re ready to cook.

Dietary Adjustments

For a gluten-free version of this beef stir fry, you can easily swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which offers a similar flavor without gluten. Additionally, if you're looking to reduce sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as an alternative. These options maintain the umami quality of the dish while being more health-conscious.

If you want to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, firm tofu can be a fantastic substitute for beef. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and toss it in the same marinade before stir frying. Since tofu takes less time to cook, add it in after the vegetables are halfway cooked, ensuring it absorbs the flavors while achieving a nice golden color.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken breast or thighs work equally well in this recipe.

→ What if I don't have soy sauce?

You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or even coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha can give your stir fry an extra kick!

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! The beef stir fry can be refrigerated and reheated, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.