Quick Beef Stir Fry: Speedy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)

Quick Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables: A fast, flavorful dinner with tender beef, crisp veggies, and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for cooking

→ Fresh Veggies

03 - 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup snap peas
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

→ Savory Sauce Essentials

09 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
10 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tsp sesame oil
12 - 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
13 - 1/4 cup cold water

→ Optional Garnishes

14 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for serving
15 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that flank steak ready for our Quick Beef Stir Fry. Slice it super thin, against the grain – this is key for tenderness, trust me! Then, toss it with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch. This little marinade helps tenderize the beef and gives it a nice silky texture when cooked. While that's doing its thing, chop all your veggies. I like to get everything prepped and lined up because once the pan gets hot, things move fast. It's a little kitchen dance, honestly.
02 - Now for the magic potion! In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a bit more cornstarch with some water. You want it smooth, no lumps! This is where the flavors really come alive, so don't be shy about giving it a good stir. I like to taste a tiny bit at this stage, just to make sure it's balanced. One time, I totally forgot the rice vinegar, and the sauce was just... missing something. Learn from my oops moment, friends!
03 - Get your wok or a large skillet screaming hot over high heat with a splash of vegetable oil. This is crucial for a good sear on your beef. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if you need to – overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of searing it, and we don't want sad, grey beef, do we? Let it get a beautiful brown crust, about 1-2 minutes per side. It should smell incredible, a little smoky. Remove the seared beef from the pan and set it aside.
04 - Add a little more oil to the hot pan for our Quick Beef Stir Fry. Toss in your harder veggies first, like broccoli and bell peppers. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until they start to get tender-crisp and vibrant. You'll hear that lovely sizzling sound, and the kitchen will start to smell amazing. Then, add the softer veggies like snap peas, along with your minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Don't overcook them; we want that delightful crunch!
05 - Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give it a quick toss to combine everything. Now, pour in your prepared sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce simmers and thickens, which happens pretty quickly thanks to the cornstarch. It'll go from watery to glossy and luxurious in just a minute or two. This is the part where everything comes together, coating every piece of beef and every veggie in that irresistible savory goodness.
06 - As soon as the sauce has thickened and coated everything beautifully, your Quick Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is ready! Serve it immediately over fluffy white rice or noodles. I always sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top for an extra flourish, and sometimes a dash of chili flakes if I'm feeling spicy. The colors should be bright, the beef tender, and the veggies crisp. It's such a satisfying sight and smell, honestly, a real triumph after a busy day!

# Notes:

01 - Always slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness – I learned this the hard way with chewy stir-fries.
02 - Don't overcrowd your pan, ever! Cook in batches if needed for a proper sear, not a steam.
03 - Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking; a Quick Beef Stir Fry moves fast!
04 - Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust seasonings; sometimes it needs a tiny bit more sweetness or salt.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Wok or large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - mixing bowls
05 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 30 g

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