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ENJOY The 12 Best Quick & Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipes

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Originating from the bustling streets of China, Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a beloved dish that showcases the balance of flavors and textures in Chinese cuisine. Traditionally made with simple ingredients, it reflects the resourcefulness of home cooks who utilize fresh produce and quick cooking techniques. Today, this dish has gained global popularity, often adapted with local ingredients and preferences, making it a versatile favorite in many households.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • onions
  • soy sauce
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • vegetable oil
  • bell peppers
  • green onions
  • cornstarch
  • sesame oil
  • black pepper
  • carrots

Instructions

  1. 1Slice beef thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Marinate beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
  6. 6Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes.
  7. 7Add carrots and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  8. 8Return beef to the skillet and mix well with vegetables.
  9. 9Add cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
  10. 10Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions before serving.
  11. 11Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is lower in fat, while pork is often more affordable.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is a cost-effective alternative.

vegetable oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola oil is often cheaper.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: potato starch

Arrowroot is a healthier thickening agent, while potato starch is budget-friendly.

Techniques

slicingmarinatingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Beef Stir FryBeef with Onions

Originating from Guangdong province, Beef Chow Fun is a beloved Cantonese dish that showcases the region's culinary emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Traditionally served in dim sum restaurants, it highlights the harmony of tender beef and chewy rice noodles, often enjoyed during family gatherings. Today, this dish has gained popularity worldwide, with variations appearing in many Asian restaurants, adapting to local tastes and available ingredients.

Ingredients

  • wide rice noodles
  • beef
  • soy sauce
  • oyster sauce
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • green onions
  • bean sprouts
  • vegetable oil
  • cornstarch
  • sugar
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Soak wide rice noodles in hot water until softened, about 30 minutes.
  2. 2Slice beef against the grain into thin strips.
  3. 3Marinate beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper for 15 minutes.
  4. 4Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. 6Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
  7. 7Add garlic and ginger to the wok, stir-frying until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  8. 8Add soaked rice noodles to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  9. 9Add oyster sauce and sugar, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
  10. 10Return beef to the wok along with green onions and bean sprouts, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes.
  11. 11Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

wide rice noodles

Healthier: zucchini noodles

Cheaper: spaghetti

Zucchini noodles are lower in calories, while spaghetti is more accessible.

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner, while pork is often less expensive.

oyster sauce

Healthier: hoisin sauce

Cheaper: soy sauce

Hoisin sauce offers a similar flavor profile with less sodium.

vegetable oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

Techniques

soakingmarinatingstir-frying

Equipment

wokspatulaknifecutting boardbowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoygluten

Also Known As

Beef Ho FunBeef Fried Rice Noodles

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup onion, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
  2. 2Add the ground beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. 3Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. 4Add the marinated ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Once the beef is cooked, add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet.
  6. 6Stir-fry the mixture for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  7. 7Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  8. 8Serve hot over rice or noodles, if desired.

Equipment

skilletmixing bowlspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Originating from the bustling kitchens of Chinese households, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and nutritious meal that showcases the harmony of flavors and textures. This dish highlights the use of fresh vegetables and tender beef, making it a staple in many families' weeknight dinners. Today, it is enjoyed worldwide, often adapted to local tastes and available ingredients, reflecting the universal appeal of stir-frying.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • cabbage
  • soy sauce
  • ginger
  • garlic
  • vegetable oil
  • carrot
  • green onion
  • sesame oil
  • red bell pepper
  • black pepper
  • cornstarch
  • rice vinegar
  • sugar
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Slice beef thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3Mince garlic and ginger finely.
  4. 4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  5. 5Add beef to the skillet and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. 6Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
  7. 7Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. 8Add cabbage and carrot to the skillet, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  9. 9Return beef to the skillet and mix well with vegetables.
  10. 10Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, stirring to combine.
  11. 11Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add to the skillet.
  12. 12Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
  13. 13Drizzle with sesame oil and top with sliced green onion before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is lower in fat, while pork is often less expensive.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos offers a similar flavor.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats, while canola is budget-friendly.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: flour

Arrowroot is a gluten-free thickener, while flour is more accessible.

Techniques

slicingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifemeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Beef Stir Fry with CabbageCabbage Beef Stir Fry

Fried rice has its roots in China, where it was created to use up leftover rice and ingredients. This dish is not only a staple in Chinese cuisine but has also been embraced globally, with each culture adding its unique twist. In Kenya, beef fried rice is enjoyed for its hearty and flavorful profile, often served during celebrations or family gatherings, showcasing the fusion of local and Asian culinary traditions.

Ingredients

  • cooked rice
  • beef
  • vegetable oil
  • onion
  • garlic
  • carrots
  • peas
  • soy sauce
  • sesame oil
  • green onions
  • egg
  • ginger
  • bell pepper
  • black pepper
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add diced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. 4Add diced carrots and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Push the mixture to one side of the skillet and crack the egg into the empty space; scramble until just set.
  6. 6Combine the cooked rice with the beef and vegetables in the skillet.
  7. 7Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper; stir to combine thoroughly.
  8. 8Fold in peas and chopped green onions; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. 9Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
  10. 10Remove from heat and serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner while pork is often less expensive.

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake, while tamari is gluten-free.

vegetable oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats, while canola is often cheaper.

egg

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: egg substitute

Tofu provides a plant-based protein option, while egg substitute can be more affordable.

Techniques

stir-frying

Equipment

large skilletspatulaknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoyegg

Also Known As

Beef Fried RiceBeef Yangzhou Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. 4Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
  5. 5In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. 6Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  7. 7Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
  8. 8Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
  9. 9Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

skilletwokcutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups bok choy, chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  4. 4Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. 5Add the chopped bok choy to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt.
  6. 6In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, and black pepper until smooth.
  7. 7Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and bok choy.
  8. 8Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
  9. 9Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
  10. 10Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

large skilletwokcutting boardknifesmall bowl

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a beloved dish that highlights the balance of flavors and textures in Vietnamese cuisine. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, it has been embraced in Vietnam, where fresh ingredients and quick cooking methods are celebrated. The dish symbolizes the fusion of cultures and is often enjoyed in family meals or gatherings. Today, it is popular worldwide, with variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • broccoli
  • soy sauce
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • cornstarch
  • vegetable oil
  • sesame oil
  • green onions
  • beef broth
  • black pepper
  • sugar
  • rice
  • water
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Slice beef thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Marinate beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  6. 6In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. 7Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  8. 8Return beef to the skillet and add beef broth, sugar, and sesame oil.
  9. 9Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  10. 10Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner while pork is often cheaper.

cornstarch

Healthier: arrowroot powder

Cheaper: flour

Arrowroot is gluten-free; flour is more accessible.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier while canola oil is cost-effective.

Techniques

slicingmarinatingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletcutting boardknifemixing bowlmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoygluten

Also Known As

Beef with BroccoliBeef and Broccoli

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is a dish that, despite its name, is more closely associated with Chinese-American cuisine than Mongolia itself. It reflects the fusion of flavors and cooking techniques that emerged from Chinese immigrants adapting to American tastes. The dish is celebrated for its savory-sweet sauce and tender beef, often enjoyed with rice. Today, variations abound globally, with many home cooks adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • soy sauce
  • brown sugar
  • ginger
  • garlic
  • green onions
  • cornstarch
  • vegetable oil
  • red pepper flakes
  • sesame oil
  • water
  • rice

Instructions

  1. 1Slice beef against the grain into thin strips.
  2. 2Marinate beef in soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch for 15-20 minutes.
  3. 3Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  6. 6In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. 7Add water and bring to a simmer.
  8. 8Return beef to the skillet and stir to combine.
  9. 9Add green onions and red pepper flakes; cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  10. 10Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
  11. 11Serve over cooked rice.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: chicken

Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner while pork is often less expensive.

soy sauce

Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium reduces salt intake; tamari is gluten-free.

brown sugar

Healthier: coconut sugar

Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index; white sugar is often cheaper.

vegetable oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier; canola oil is often less expensive.

Techniques

slicingmarinatingstir-frying

Equipment

large skilletmixing bowlknifecutting boardmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Mongolian Beef

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. 1Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the snow peas to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. 5In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and black pepper.
  6. 6Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and snow peas. Stir well to combine.
  7. 7Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
  8. 8Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
  9. 9Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

large skilletwoksmall bowlcutting boardknife

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 2Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  4. 4Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. 5Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  6. 6Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  7. 7In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.
  8. 8Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to combine.
  9. 9Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
  10. 10Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. 11Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Equipment

WokSpatulaCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoons

Originating from Korea, Beef Bulgogi is a beloved dish that showcases marinated beef grilled to perfection. Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions, it embodies the Korean spirit of sharing meals with loved ones. Today, its popularity has transcended borders, making it a favorite in Korean restaurants worldwide, often served with a variety of side dishes (banchan).

Ingredients

  • beef sirloin
  • soy sauce
  • sugar
  • sesame oil
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • green onions
  • black pepper
  • carrot
  • onion
  • mushrooms
  • sesame seeds
  • rice
  • lettuce

Instructions

  1. 1Slice beef sirloin thinly against the grain.
  2. 2Combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl.
  3. 3Add sliced beef to the marinade and mix well, letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. 4Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  5. 5Add marinated beef to the grill or skillet in a single layer.
  6. 6Cook beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  7. 7Add sliced carrots, onions, and mushrooms to the skillet.
  8. 8Stir-fry vegetables with the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.
  9. 9Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  10. 10Serve hot with rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef sirloin

Healthier: chicken breast

Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken breast is leaner, while pork shoulder is more affordable.

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos offers a similar taste.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener, while brown sugar is often cheaper.

Techniques

marinatingslicinggrillingstir-frying

Equipment

grillskilletmixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowsoy

Also Known As

Bulgogi

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