Beef Stir Fry

Kelley Simmons
February 5, 2025
0 comments

Tender, savory, and packed with flavor, this Beef Stir Fry is the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick and easy to make! Marinated flank steak brings a juicy bite, perfectly complemented by crisp vegetables and a crunchy, garlicky topping. With a savory sauce that’s balanced with a hint of heat, this stir fry is guaranteed to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

Close up view of beef stir fry in a bowl with rice.

Before you get started / Kelley’s tips

Slice Against the Grain. Make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure the meat stays tender and easy to chew.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. When cooking the beef, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures a good sear and keeps the beef tender.
Customize the Vegetables. Feel free to swap in your favorite stir-fry veggies like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for different flavors and textures.

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Ingredients Needed

Marinade

Flank Steak: The perfect choice for stir fry. It’s tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly.
Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, salty depth to the marinade, giving the beef a savory foundation of flavor.
Dark Soy Sauce: Deepens the color and flavor of the dish with its slightly sweeter and more intense taste, creating a perfect balance with the regular soy sauce.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient for ensuring the beef stays tender and juicy while also helping to thicken the sauce for a perfect, velvety finish.
Japanese Curry Powder: This aromatic spice blend adds a warm, savory kick with subtle earthy notes that enhance the overall flavor of the beef marinade.
Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef, giving it an ultra-soft texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Beef Stir Fry Ingredients

Veggies: I usually use what I have on hand! Today I used broccoli, bell pepper and red onion!
Dark Soy Sauce: Ties the stir fry together with a deeper, slightly sweeter flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Sesame Oil: Adds a distinct toasted nutty flavor, enhancing the stir fry with its bold and savory finish.
Korean Chili Flakes: Gives just the right amount of heat to the stir fry, adding a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

How To Make Beef Stir Fry

Slice the Steak: Slice flank steak across the grain into thin strips.
Make the Marinade: Add steak, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, corn starch, baking powder, and curry powder to a bowl. Mix and set aside.

Sliced flank steak in a bowl with marinade ingredients.

Cook the Garlic: Add sliced garlic and peanut oil to a cold pan. Turn on to medium heat and cook until golden brown, stirring and keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Drain the Garlic: Using a slotted spoon, remove garlic and drain on a paper towel. Season with salt. Reserve oil for frying vegetables.

Sliced garlic and peanut oil in a skillet.

Saute the Vegetables: Sauté vegetables over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes in reserved garlic oil or until they start to get some color on them. Transfer to a plate.

Cook the Beef: Add the remaining tbsp of oil to the pan and cook beef in two batches to avoid overcrowding, 1-2 minutes per side.

Sliced flank steak in a skillet with oil.

Cooked flank steak in a skillet with oil.

Saute Everything Together: Add the vegetables back to the pan, along with the dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Saute for 1-2 more minutes to coat the beef and veggies in the sauce. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with crispy garlic, sesame seed,s and green onions.

Stir fry vegetables and flank steak in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing! Fluffy white rice or jasmine rice absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
Noodles: Toss the stir fry with soba, rice noodles, or even udon noodles for a deliciously hearty twist.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice for a lighter, veggie-packed alternative.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! While flank steak is ideal for stir fry because of its tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, or even tenderloin. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and marinate the beef up to 24 hours ahead for maximum flavor. However, it’s best to cook the stir fry just before serving to enjoy it fresh and hot.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add your favorite stir-fry veggies! Mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or carrots all work wonderfully in this dish. Just be sure to sauté them until tender but still crisp.

Can I use a different oil for the crispy garlic topping?

If you don’t have peanut oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil for frying the garlic. Peanut oil, however, gives a nice nutty flavor that complements the dish well.