Weeknights often call for meals that are quick to prepare yet full of flavor. Few dishes deliver on this demand as well as a stir fry. With its combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and bold sauce, stir fry provides both balance and satisfaction in every bite. The Easy Steak Stir Fry Recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can come together to form a complete meal. Steak sears quickly, vegetables retain their crunch, and the sauce ties everything together in a savory, slightly sweet glaze. This dish requires little time, but the results taste restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
To serve 4 people, gather the following measured ingredients:
For the Steak and Marinade:
- 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45 ml, low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (5 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon / 10 g)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (30 ml)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (24 g)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets (100 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips (120 g)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (120 g)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (80 g)
- 1 small onion, sliced (100 g)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml, for stir frying)
Garnishes:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic. Add sliced steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. This short step enhances tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
Increase heat to high. Add marinated steak to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside but still tender. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming instead of searing.
Step 5: Combine Steak and Vegetables
Return cooked vegetables to the pan with the steak. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Conservation and Storage
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze stir fry, though vegetables may lose some texture. Place cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the dish. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can toughen the steak.
Variations
Spicy Steak Stir Fry
Increase red pepper flakes or add 1 tablespoon sriracha to the sauce for a bold, spicy flavor.
Teriyaki-Style Stir Fry
Replace hoisin sauce with teriyaki sauce and reduce the sugar for a sweeter glaze.
Low-Carb Version
Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Different Protein
Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Vegetable Flexibility
Use snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms in place of or in addition to bell peppers and carrots. Stir fry is highly adaptable based on available produce.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- With Noodles: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty one-bowl meal.
- As a Wrap: Spoon stir fry into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option.
- Complete Meal: Pair with egg rolls or dumplings for an Asian-inspired dinner spread.
- Drink Pairing: A light lager, green tea, or crisp white wine complements the rich flavors.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Do not skip the cornstarch in the marinade; it helps lock in juices and improves searing.
- Cook steak in small batches if your pan is small to avoid steaming.
- Keep vegetables slightly crisp to add texture contrast.
- Have all ingredients prepped before cooking; stir fry moves quickly once started.
Conclusion
The Easy Steak Stir Fry Recipe is proof that fast cooking does not mean compromising on flavor. With just a few pantry sauces, fresh vegetables, and tender steak, you can prepare a balanced, satisfying meal in under an hour. The versatility of stir fry allows endless customization, from swapping vegetables to adjusting spice levels. Whether served as a comforting weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal spread, this dish guarantees bold flavors and colorful presentation every time. Simple, flexible, and packed with taste, steak stir fry deserves a place in every home cook’s recipe rotation.
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Easy Steak Stir Fry Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful steak stir fry made with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under an hour and delivers restaurant-style flavor at home.
Ingredients
For the Steak and Marinade:
1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
3 tablespoons soy sauce (45 ml, low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (5 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced (1 tablespoon / 10 g)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (30 ml)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (30 ml)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (24 g)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables:
1 cup broccoli florets (100 g)
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips (120 g)
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips (120 g)
1 medium carrot, julienned (80 g)
1 small onion, sliced (100 g)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml, for stir frying)
Garnishes:
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
Step 1 – Marinate the Steak
Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Toss steak slices to coat and marinate for 20 minutes.
Step 2 – Prepare the Sauce
Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Vegetables
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir fry broccoli, carrots, onions, and peppers for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove.
Step 4 – Cook the Steak
Increase heat to high. Add steak in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but tender.
Step 5 – Combine and Sauce
Return vegetables to the pan. Add sauce. Stir 2–3 minutes until coated and heated through.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Slice steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking steak; cook in batches if needed.
Keep vegetables slightly crisp to add texture.
Marinate up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: easy steak stir fry recipe, beef stir fry, Asian stir fry with vegetables, quick steak stir fry
