Quick and easy beef stir-fry. I make this on my busiest weeknights.
Need to use up some of your leftover vegetables and other pantry staple ingredients? Look no further than a classic beef stir-fry. This beef and broccoli stir-fry comes together in just 25 minutes and only requires ingredients that you probably already have. And if you don't? You can just skip them!
This dish is packed with veggies, beef, and saucy flavors for a weeknight dinner warrior that checks all the boxes. Served with rice or lo mein noodles, this will be the best beef stir-fry you've ever made.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry
The most time-consuming part of making stir-fry is all the chopping. Slicing your meat and veggies into smaller bite-sized pieces can take a little bit of time and effort, but it's worth it for the end result.
After you've chopped all your ingredients, you'll cook the beef on one side of the wok, or another large frying pan, and the veggies on the other side of the wok. Once they're all cooked, you can mix the two sides together and add the soy sauce and sesame seeds.
Some stir-fry recipes use a specific stir-fry sauce, which can be as basic as broth, soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine vinegar. This quick stir-fry calls for only soy sauce. But you can feel free to add a stir-fry sauce or marinate your beef in one if you prefer.
Learn more: How to Make the Easiest Stir-Fry Ever
What Cut of Beef Is Best For Beef Stir-Fry?
Flank steaks are the most popular choice for making a stir-fry. However, you can also use sirloin steak, skirt steak, Denver steak, or even beef chuck.
Beef chuck steak is the most economical choice, but it does require some extra trimming. You'll want to remove the tough tissue from the steaks before frying.
How to Cook Beef Stir-Fry
If possible, you should use a wok to make beef stir-fry. Woks are large and have sloping sides that let you cook the entire stir-fry in one pan, so you can easily stir and flip the food without fear of it flying out. They also are designed to cook foods quicker than skillets and with less oil.
If you can’t use a wok (or another carbon steel pan) then any skillet will work. You may just need to cook the meat and veggies in separate batches.
When cooking, make sure you heat the pan and oil up first before adding your ingredients — they should sizzle as soon as they hit the heat. And always use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, for the best stir-fry results.
Cookdap Community Tips and Praise
“I added this recipe to my favorites list not even a month ago and I have made this, using different variations every time, at least 5 times. My family loves this recipe and I’ve paired it with rice or noodles and it always pleases. I usually use beef stew meat and switch up the vegetables. I would definitely recommend this recipe for anybody that’s pressed for time and wants to make a quick easy meal that the whole family will enjoy,” says Tiana Marie Ginorio.
“Hubby and I both liked this. It’s very easy to make and is ready in no time. I used flank steak instead of sirloin and I didn’t have any green onions, but otherwise I followed the recipe as written. We both though it needed a bit of something, so after the first few bites we added some crushed chilis for a bit of heat,” adds Cookdap Allstar France C.
“Made it true to the recipe except that I only used half of a red bell pepper because it was what I had. The dish didn’t suffer at all for it and the spiciness was just right for me. Served over rice and was the best quick meal that I made this week,” raves Shoebox.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
Step 1
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir beef until browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3
Move beef to the side of the wok and add broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, green onion, and garlic to the center of the wok. Cook and stir vegetables for 2 minutes.
Step 4
Stir beef into vegetables and season with soy sauce and sesame seeds. Continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 2 more minutes.
Step 5
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
Calories 268 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat16g | 20% |
Saturated Fat4g | 20% |
Cholesterol49mg | 16% |
Sodium526mg | 23% |
Total Carbohydrate9g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber3g | 11% |
Total Sugars3g | |
Protein23g | |
Vitamin C70mg | 351% |
Calcium92mg | 7% |
Iron3mg | 14% |
Potassium563mg | 12% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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source by allrecipe
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- by: France C
- 12 years ago
Hubby and I both liked this. It’s very easy to make and is ready in no time. I used flank steak instead of sirloin and I didn’t have any green onions, but otherwise I followed the recipe as written. We both though it needed a bit of something, so after the first few bites we added some crushed chilis for a bit of heat. There are so many different ways you could make this by using different veggies and seasonings. I liked the addition of the sesame seeds. I’ll make this one again!
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- by: Kichael Miller
- 11 years ago
I think it’s a great starter recipe! I did not have any broccoli and I used a different cut of meat. Since the last reviewer said it needed a little something I added a tsp of ginger and a bit of salt and pepper to the meat in the beginning. Then I replaced the broccoli with green bell peppers. It was a hit! Even the baby loved it 🙂
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- by: Joysef
- 11 years ago
This recipe was super easy and the beef loin I used maintained excellent flavor and consistency. I would say that instead of moving the beef over the to the side of the pan, I would try to keep the beef on top of the vegetables while they are cooking so that it doesn’t overcook. I had to cook the vegetables a bit longer as I used summer squash and bok choy. Yum!
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- by: Ray Andraka
- 11 years ago
Made this using left over london broil that had been marinated in McCormick Grill-mates Chipotle Pepper marinade. Added water chesnuts and mushrooms to the recipe and served over white rice with la-choy chinese noodles on top. Came out very tasty but a little dry, could use a sauce.
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- by: Shoebox
- 10 years ago
Made it true to the recipe except that I only used half of a red bell pepper because it was what I had. The dish didn’t suffer at all for it and the spiciness was just right for me. Served over rice and was the best quick meal that I made this week. Will definitely save this one to use again!
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- by: Carol66905
- 10 years ago
Tried this recipe, but only changed most of the ingredients (don’t you hate when someone does that?) Used wok oil, garlic, white onion, celery, bell peppers, beef with some soy sauce, and tried some Thai chili dipping sauce, which you can add either to the wok or as served. Very happy with the results, 5 stars for the slightly modified recipe 🙂
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- by: Cookdap Member
- 10 years ago
Embellish this if you like with rice wine (as I did) or rice wine vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or ginger. Or vary the vegetables (I used celery, onion, Chinese cabbage, zucchini, red bell pepper, mushrooms and fresh bean sprouts). Or serve with rice, lo mein noodles, or just on its own for a healthy, low carb meal (as I did) – but still very nice prepared just as is.
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- by: Kiranicole12
- 10 years ago
Since my family isn’t big on broccoli or carrots, we substituted in baby corn, water chestnuts, baby portobellos, asparagus and yellow onion for the green. With all the extra vegis we doubled the meat to 2 lbs. This is really a great ‘base’ recipe that allows you to cater to everyone! We’ll definitely be making this again.
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- by: Savanna Endicott
- 10 years ago
Quick healthy-ish meal that looks and tastes like a fancy one.
Great for students (like me) because we can switch out or add any veggies or meat that we have in the fridge, we really just need Soya sauce, garlic, and sesame seeds. I used chicken instead of beef and a simple frying pan, worked well for me.
Very hard to mess up (I’m not a very good cook).
Serving size is accurate for a normal human being and didn’t leave me with days of leftovers, I like that.
Thanks for the recipe! 🙂 -
- by: Cookdap Member
- 10 years ago
This was the best. Just looked up beef and broccoli recipe and this recipe came up. Had everything for it. Quick and easy and QUICK again! Didn’t use almonds and used teriyaki instead and over rice. Teenagers actually ate and liked their veggies and great recipe to add any veggie you have in the stir fry.
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- by: Sonia M. Ramirez Sardinas
- 9 years ago
my family loved this recipe with the following changes. (1) I added roasted garlic infused olive oil instead of vegetable oil and (2) I did have seeds so I used sesame seed oil. I mixed both oils for the amount needed. (3) I added more fresh garlic. (4) I used leeks instead of green onions, since that is all I had. (5) I lightly seasoned the meat with garlic salt and lemon pepper. Be careful not to use too much garlic salt since you need to add soy sauce. The meal was wonderful with white steamed rice. Very simple and easy to make.
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- by: Cookdap Member
- 9 years ago
Quick and easy! This is a good recipe that you can play around with based on your preferences and what you have on hand and it still works. I’ve made it a few times. I’ve substituted a different cut of meat and add it near the end when the veggies are partially cooked (my wok isn’t really big enough to just keep the meat at the side after). I also add the green onion at the very end and just cook for about 30 seconds. I also added a few drops of sesame oil because I didn’t have any sesame seeds.
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- by: Deborah
- 9 years ago
I followed the recipe to a tee. However, I allowed my vegetables to cook way longer than the recipe called for, because I like my veggies on the softer side. I also added salt and pepper to taste while cooking and extra soy sauce once my food was plated. It was quick, easy, and delicious!
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- by: Smithy
- 9 years ago
I really liked the taste and how quick and easy it was to make. I did find myself adding Soy Sauce to it once it was complete to add more moisture and flavor. I think my error was in dishing it out of the pan and a lot of the liquid was left in the bottom. Next time I will(not be lazy)and put it into a bowl and make sure all the liquid goes on top as opposed to the bottom.
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- by: WILKBROWN
- 9 years ago
I used the soy, some ground ginger, a little vegetable oil, a little sesame oil and some rice wine vinegar to marinate the meat. I didn’t add more soy during the cooking process because I was afraid it would be too salty, but I could have because the soy didn’t overpower at all. I do recommend using only fresh vegetables as indicated in the recipe. It doesn’t take that much more time, and frozen vegetables just don’t have the same texture. The meat-to-veggie ratio is a bit meat-heavy, so feel free to double or even triple the amount of vegetables. Great basic recipe that I’ll use again and again.
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- by: April D
- 9 years ago
First time I made it it was good, but sort of plain. Also was not a huge fan of the soy sauce, so the second time I changed it up a bit.
1. Veggies. I don’t really like broccoli so I use sugar snap peas instead. Didn’t have red pepper so I used green. Not as pretty but worked.
2. I put the garlic in with the oil before the meat, so that the meat would be infused with garlic and give it a bit more flavor
3. I changed out the soy sauce with A1 steak sauce. I make another meat recipes with potatoes on the campfire with A1, so I thought I would try it and it came out great.
The original recipe was great and I will make it again like that, but this was my kick -
- by: Joy Of Cooking
- 9 years ago
As already said, this is a great starter recipe and very adaptable. I sauteed the minced garlic in the oil first to flavor the oil before cooking anything…. as I was taught by a Chinese cook. I used round steak and a different mix of veggies, too. I especially liked the addition of the sesame seeds.
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- by: DEE4242
- 9 years ago
Wanted something quick and easy using leftover grilled steak and mushrooms, and this was perfect. Sprinkled a teaspoon of Ginger over sliced meat prior to browning with the sliced onion. Added broccoli and baby carrots, until firm. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, add the soy sauce and sesame seeds, and continue cooking for a couple minutes. Served with fried rice. Wonderful! Hubby loved it!
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- by: Sarah Love
- 9 years ago
The only thing I changed was to add more broccoli and I only did that to use up the whole broccoli. Oh, I did also cook it for a longer time because I ended up with too many ingredients for my medium frying pan so I split it between two pans and cooked a little longer. I absolutely loved this recipe!! I thought it came out perfect. Everything was perfectly cooked.. Not overcooked. Everything was seasoned perfectly. I usually have trouble cooking beef without overcooking it but with this recipe it came out perfectly delicious and tender. I look forward to making this one again! My favorite thing besides the amazing taste.. Was how quick and simple it was! So important!
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- by: Raynesa Jonas RA
- 8 years ago
This is my quick “go to” meal when I need something fast and yummy. I use thin flank steak and it works out just fine .
Ive made several times, sometimes with carrots, other times without (depends if my kids eat up all the carrots before I have a chance to cook it). Each time tastes just as good as the last time. Also, I use pre-cut frozen broccoli to cut down on prep time. -
- by: Tim Helmuth
- 8 years ago
Doubled the recipe and used one red and one yellow bell pepper. Marinated the beef in teriyaki sauce for 1 1/2 hours before cooking. Still a little bland. Adding salt, pepper and more teriyaki sauce made it better. Next time I will probably try adding some other flavors to the mix, possibly fresh ginger and hoisin sauce. All in all, a good meal, just lacking flavor.
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- by: Jennifer
- 8 years ago
Very good, quick, weeknight meal. I substituted bottled, low-sodium teriyaki sauce for the soy sauce. (If I had more time I would have made the sauce from scratch — good recipe on this site.) I added more veggies than the recipe called for, because, why not? The more the better! I served it over brown rice. My soccer-playing daughter inhaled it and gave it the thumbs up before running out the door for practice. (She said cashews would have been good. I agree).
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- by: Carrie Williamson
- 8 years ago
Delicious! I didn’t use fresh green onion, so I added a chopped purple onion! Then for seasonings, we added twice the mince garlic and didn’t have sesame seeds. We used a teaspoon of ginger, fine black pepper, and cayenne, sprinkled some freeze dry green onion and dried red pepper. Then we served over rice with a little siracha!
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- by: Alicia Jarzab
- 8 years ago
I love this, because it is the easiest starting point for any stir fry. I have made this several times, but tonight I made just a veggie stir fry using this recipe and just doctored it by adding a bit of butter, sriracha, more pepper and soy sauce to bring those meaty flavors back in that would normally come from the meat juices. Combined with some chicken fried rice, this is thebomb.com
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- by: Bstowle
- 8 years ago
Did increase ingredients as at last minute invited neighbors in for supper. Did add sugar snap beans. Added rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and sesame oil to Bragg’s Liquid Aminos ( as I don’t use soy sauce. Better for you and the taste is similar)
I wish it made more sauce.
It was easy and tasty. Will make again.
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