If you’re craving a vibrant, fast, and utterly delicious dinner to impress yourself or your loved ones, this Beef Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend. With tender strips of steak sizzling in a savory, slightly sweet sauce and bright, crisp vegetables all tossed together in minutes, it’s a feast of flavors and textures that feels like takeaway but is entirely homemade. Whether you’re short on time or just in the mood for something nourishing and satisfying, this Beef Stir Fry Recipe delivers a perfect blend of ease and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board on a white marbled surface with ingredients neatly arranged in a grid. Starting from the top left, there's a white bowl filled with raw red beef strips placed next to a tall green-topped bottle of avocado oil. Beside it are two fresh bright green bok choy heads with smooth leaves. On the far right, a white bowl holds many fresh green snap peas. Below the beef, there is a small black bowl of black pepper and a small black bowl with white salt. Two brown onions and two garlic cloves sit near a clear squeeze bottle of golden honey. Next to that is a jar of pale ginger paste, a dark soy sauce bottle, and a tall dark bottle of toasted sesame oil. Completing the layout on the right side are a black bowl filled with white flour, a jar with purple label, and a bottle of Shaoxing rice wine. The composition is clean, colorful, and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Beef Stir Fry Recipe right starts with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a dynamic, colorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role whether adding richness, crunch, or that savory kick you’ll love.

Steak (450 g or 1 lb): Thinly sliced into chunky strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Salt (¼ tsp): To season and bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds just the right amount of heat.
High smoke point oil (3 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Avocado, rapeseed, or sunflower oil to get that perfect sear without burning.
Onions (2 medium): Chunky wedges provide sweetness and lovely texture.
Mange tout (200 g): Offers a crisp, fresh snap to every bite.
Pak choi (3 medium heads, about 350 g): Adds mild, leafy greens that soften beautifully.
Garlic cloves (2): Minced for that unmistakable aromatic punch.
Minced ginger (1 tsp): A warming spice that balances the sauce perfectly.
Cornflour (2 tbsp): To thicken the luscious sauce just right.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): A fragrant finishing note in the sauce.
Dark soy sauce (2 tbsp): Deep umami undertones.
Hoisin sauce (3 tbsp): Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity.
Chinese rice wine (1 tbsp): Or dry sherry for a touch of tang and aroma.
Honey (2 tbsp): Brings gentle sweetness that cuts through the soy.
Beef stock (120 ml or ½ cup): Creates a rich, savory base for the sauce.
To serve: Boiled rice, fried rice, or noodles, plus chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

How to Make Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Saucy Base

Start by mixing the cornflour, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Chinese rice wine, and honey in a small jug or bowl. Stir until the cornflour is fully incorporated, then whisk in the beef stock. This sauce magic gives your stir fry its irresistible balance of thick, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak

Toss your thin steak strips with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Heat a wok or large frying pan on high, add the oil, and quickly sear the steak for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure an even, beautiful brown crust. Remove the beef and set aside but keep any rendered juices in the pan for even more flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Add a little more oil to the now-empty wok and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the onions and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and smell sweet. Then add the mange tout and stir for another minute to keep that satisfying crunch. Next, add the pak choi, garlic, and ginger, stir frying briefly so their flavors blend and brighten the dish instantly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer gently. If it thickens too much, splash in a bit of water to loosen it up. Return the steak strips to the wok, tossing everything together to coat each piece in the glossy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm the beef through without overcooking. You’re almost there!

How to Serve Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A close-up photo of a dark wok filled with a stir-fry dish. It has three main layers: bright green snap peas and bok choy leaves, light caramel-colored onion slices, and dark brown strips of cooked meat, all mixed and shiny with a rich brown sauce. A metal spatula rests inside the wok, partially covered by the food. Around the wok, on a white marbled surface, are two small white bowls, one filled with black and white sesame seeds and the other with chopped green onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final touches make all the difference. A sprinkle of chopped spring onions adds a fresh, sharp bite, while toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch. These simple garnishes elevate the dish from home-cooked to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

This Beef Stir Fry Recipe is fantastic served over steaming plates of boiled rice or tossed with fried rice or your favorite noodles. Each base soaks up all that tasty sauce, making every mouthful utterly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this stir fry in warm lettuce cups or over a bed of steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also toss in additional quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or shredded cabbage to add more color and crunch, making your meal as vibrant as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Beef Stir Fry Recipe is best fresh but can be enjoyed later too. After cooking, cool your stir fry quickly, then cover and refrigerate. The flavors mellow a bit but stay tasty for up to one day, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this dish due to the fresh vegetables losing their crispness, but if necessary, store the beef and sauce separately in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh vegetables when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or beef stock to keep the sauce silky and the beef tender. This helps maintain the delicious texture and keeps your Beef Stir Fry Recipe tasting fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?

Absolutely! Sirloin or ribeye work best for tenderness, but you can also use flank, rump, or skirt steak if sliced thinly against the grain. Velveting the beef beforehand helps keep tougher cuts nice and tender.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to get creative! Quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, carrots, tenderstem broccoli, beansprouts, or shredded cabbage all make great additions or swaps for a unique twist in your Beef Stir Fry Recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Cooking this stir fry in advance is fine, though the vegetables will soften upon reheating. Use sirloin for better texture retention and reheat gently while adding a splash of liquid to refresh the sauce.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Serving it over fluffy boiled rice, fried rice, or noodles is classic and delicious. Don’t forget those spring onions and sesame seeds on top—they add fantastic flavor and crunch.

How do I avoid overcooking the beef?

Stir fry the steak quickly on high heat just until browned and remove it before cooking the vegetables. Add it back only at the end to warm through in the sauce, so it stays juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Beef Stir Fry Recipe to brighten up your weeknight dinner plans. Fast, flavorful, and packed with colorful veggies and tender beef, it’s a meal that feels both special and effortless. Give this recipe a try and discover how easily you can recreate that fantastic takeaway taste right in your own kitchen. You’ll be thrilled with the results and may just find yourself making it again and again!