There's something incredibly satisfying about a dish that's quick to whip up, full of flavor, and hits all the right notes in texture. This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe checks all those boxes, offering tender beef, crunchy veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce that'll make your weeknight dinners a breeze—and a treat!

A black bowl filled with three layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white cooked rice with a soft, fluffy texture. The middle layer consists of dark brown stir-fried beef strips that are glossy and tender. The top layer has mixed colorful vegetables including orange and yellow bell pepper strips, green bell pepper pieces, red chili, and light brown onion slices. The dish is finished with a scattering of white sesame seeds on top of the beef and vegetables. In the background, a second bowl with the same dish is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my go-to meals, especially when I’m short on time but don’t want to sacrifice taste. It’s just so satisfying—with juicy beef, colorful peppers, and a sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy.

Speedy Prep and Cook Time: You can have this dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed Sauce: The combination of hoisin, soy, and a touch of brown sugar creates an irresistible savory-sweet tang.
Customizable Veggies: Feel free to swap in whatever fresh produce you've got, making it both flexible and nutritious.
Beginner Friendly: Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, the clear steps and common ingredients mean you’ll nail this dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role—from tenderizing the beef to adding crunch and depth of flavor with the sauce. Plus, I love how the colorful bell peppers brighten up the plate and add just the right freshness.

Flat lay of a fresh raw beef steak, a small handful of mixed color bell peppers sliced, one small whole onion quartered, a few stalks of green onions, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small mound of minced fresh ginger, a small white bowl with light brown hoisin sauce, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with clear rice vinegar, a small white bowl with golden brown granulated brown sugar, a small white bowl with off-white fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with golden sesame oil, a small white bowl with pale yellow vegetable oil, a small white bowl with clear water, a small white bowl with coarse sea salt, a small white bowl with white sesame seeds placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Beef steak: I recommend flank or sirloin for tender strips that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Sesame oil: This adds that signature nutty aroma—don’t skip it, even just a little!
Cornstarch: Used twice here, it helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce perfectly.
Baking soda: A neat trick to make your beef extra tender without a long marinade.
Sea salt: Balances and enhances all flavors.
Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce): Provides that rich, slightly sweet savoriness that defines great stir fry sauce.
Soy sauce: The salty umami base for the sauce.
Rice vinegar (or alternatives): Adds a bright acidity to balance sweetness.
Brown sugar (or honey): Sweetens the sauce naturally, rounding out the flavors.
Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
Bell peppers: Choose a mix of colors for the best visual and taste impact.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness when caramelized slightly during stir-fry.
Green onions: Freshness and bite as garnish or tossed in at the end.
Vegetable oil (or canola): Neutral oil that’s perfect for high-heat cooking.
Garlic: Essential for that punch of flavor in practically all stir-fry dishes.
Ginger: Adds warmth and a little zing, brightening the dish.
Sesame seeds: Optional but fantastic for crunch and nuttiness as a finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want it spicier, leaner, or packed with different veggies, you can make it your own.

Variation: For a smoky twist, I like tossing in a few slices of fresh chili or adding a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture—it gives the dish a lively kick!
Vegetarian swap: Try swapping beef with tempeh or firm tofu for a plant-based version that’s just as flavorful.
Veggie options: Sometimes I swap bell peppers for broccoli, snap peas, or even baby corn—whatever I have on hand.
Sauce tweak: Feel free to use honey instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness and a bit more depth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A round black bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a thick layer of stir-fried strips of brown meat mixed with bright, thin slices of red, yellow, and green bell peppers and light yellow onion strips, all coated in a glossy sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a pair of dark brown chopsticks. Below the bowl, part of a black pan is visible, filled with the same stir-fry mix, beside a folded green cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Beef for Tenderness and Flavor

Start by slicing your beef steak thinly against the grain—that’s the trick to tenderness. Toss it with cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda is my secret weapon; it works wonders to tenderize the meat in just a few minutes. Let it sit while you prep your veggies.

Step 2: Whip Up the Stir Fry Sauce

Mix together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a bit of water in a bowl. Then stir in a little cornstarch to help thicken it later. This sauce is going to coat everything with that perfect glossy finish, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet on high. Add garlic and ginger first, cooking just until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Then toss in your onions and bell peppers, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Cook the Beef Quickly

Push veggies to the side, add sesame oil, then your beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for about a minute, then stir-fry until it just loses its pink center. The key is quick, high heat to keep it juicy.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Pour your prepared sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring constantly. The sauce thickens within a minute, coating everything evenly with that shiny, flavorful glaze. Sprinkle on sliced green onions and toss for a final touch.

Step 6: Finish with Toasted Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle raw or toasted sesame seeds on top for a lovely texture and that hint of nuttiness. And there you go—time to serve!

Top Tip

Having made this Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe dozens of times, I learned a few things that take it from good to great—sharing these tips will help you achieve the best results effortlessly!

Slice Against the Grain: Always cut your beef thinly and against the grain to keep it tender and easy to chew.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed so it gets a nice sear rather than stewing in its juices.
High Heat is Your Friend: Use the highest heat your stove allows to get that authentic stir-fry flavor and texture.
Prep Everything in Advance: Because stir-frying is quick, having every ingredient chopped and ready makes the process seamless and stress-free.

How to Serve Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with fresh green onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Sometimes I add a quick squeeze of lime or a handful of chopped cilantro for extra brightness—totally optional but really freshens it up.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic over steamed jasmine rice, but sometimes I serve it with simple soba noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Crunchy cucumber salad on the side also pairs wonderfully if you want something cold and crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate this stir fry in a shallow bowl over a nest of rice noodles and top with edible flowers or microgreens. It turns this easy recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that it tastes just as delicious the next day—just be sure to cool it before storing to keep the veggies crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry successfully a couple of times, but I recommend freezing before adding any fresh garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir-fry quickly to refresh before serving again.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in a hot skillet on medium-high heat just for a few minutes. This helps revive the original stir-fried texture without making the beef rubbery or the veggies soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for the Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe?

For this dish, flank steak or sirloin works best because they’re lean yet tender and absorb the marinade flavors well. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate longer.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or simply hoisin sauce to keep the flavor depth without animal products.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

The keys are slicing thinly against the grain and using baking soda as a tenderizer. Also, don’t overcook the beef—cook it quickly on high heat just until it loses the pink color.

What can I serve with beef stir fry for a complete meal?

Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but you can also serve with noodles, cauliflower rice, or even a crunchy side salad. Adding fresh garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds elevates the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipe has honestly become one of those meals I turn to when I want something delicious, quick, and satisfying without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers that perfect mix of home-cooked comfort and fresh flavors. Give it a try—you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again, just like I do!