If there’s one dish I could happily make every week and never tire of, it’s Steak Stir Fry. It’s that magical combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a glossy, savory sauce that hits every note you want in a speedy weeknight dinner. The best part? One pan, minimal fuss, and a meal that’s equal parts feast for the eyes and pure comfort for the soul. Whether you’re a seasoned stir fry pro or brand new to tossing beef in a sizzling wok, let me show you how easy and satisfying it is to bring Steak Stir Fry to your own kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Steak Stir Fry lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element, from the steak to the splash of soy sauce, plays a vital role in creating a balance of taste and texture — just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, and you’ll be amazed at the results!
- Steak: Flank, sirloin, or ribeye all work beautifully; slice thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Soy sauce: This adds depth and a salty, umami punch, so use a good-quality low-sodium soy sauce if you can.
- Oyster sauce: For that signature glossy stir fry finish and subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings aroma and a burst of flavor to every bite.
- Ginger: Just a little grated ginger wakes up the whole dish with its zesty warmth.
- Bell peppers: I love mixing red and green for extra color and a bit of crunch.
- Broccoli florets: They soak up sauce while adding texture and nutrition.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots brighten things up with color and natural sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: High-heat oils like canola or peanut oil ensure a great stir fry sear.
- Cornstarch: For coating the steak strips, helping keep them juicy and creating a subtle sauce thickener.
- Brown sugar: Just a pinch balances the salty elements with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Green onions: For freshness and a final pop of color at the end.
How to Make Steak Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you turn on the stove, get everything chopped, sliced, and measured out. Thinly slice your steak against the grain, chop the veggies, and gather your sauces. The magic of Steak Stir Fry is in the speed, and having your ingredients ready will make you feel like a kitchen ninja!
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Lightly toss the steak strips in a mix of soy sauce, a dash of oyster sauce, a sprinkle of cornstarch, and a pinch of brown sugar. This quick marinade gives the beef a gorgeous flavor and keeps it juicy once it hits the pan.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with a little oil until it’s shimmering. Spread the steak out in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for a minute. Flip and sear the other side – just enough for a beautiful brown crust, but not all the way cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies
Add a touch more oil, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for just a few seconds, then pile in your bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, until they’re just crisp-tender and full of color.
Step 5: Bring Everything Together
Add the steak back to the pan, pour in the rest of the sauce, and toss everything quickly so the sauce coats every piece. Cook for another minute until the steak is just cooked through and everything glistens with that irresistible Steak Stir Fry shine.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and, if you like, another drizzle of soy sauce. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even on its own for a lighter meal!
How to Serve Steak Stir Fry
Garnishes
To elevate your Steak Stir Fry, a shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds do wonders. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime adds a fresh brightness that lifts every bite. Don’t forget a grind of black pepper right before serving — it makes all the flavors pop!
Side Dishes
I adore serving Steak Stir Fry with fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant garlic fried rice. If you want something extra, try quick stir-fried Asian greens or simple steamed edamame. The saucy steak and veggies also love to mingle with rice noodles for a slurp-worthy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the usual bowl: spoon Steak Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a party appetizer, tuck it inside a warm tortilla for east-meets-west tacos, or pile it high on top of quinoa for a power lunch. Leftovers (if you have any) make fantastic fillings for sandwiches or wraps!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store extra Steak Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an incredible next-day lunch. Just let it cool to room temperature before packing it away to keep things fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze Steak Stir Fry for up to a month, though the veggies may soften a little after thawing. Freeze portions flat in freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible, and label with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Steak Stir Fry in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of water or extra sauce to bring everything back to life. The microwave also works in a pinch — just cover loosely and use short bursts to avoid overcooking the steak.
FAQs
What cut of steak is best for Steak Stir Fry?
Flank, sirloin, or ribeye work beautifully — the key is to slice it very thin against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth texture after a quick cook.
Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely! Snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or even zucchini all stir fry beautifully. Use what you love, or what’s in season.
Is Steak Stir Fry spicy?
It doesn’t have to be, but feel free to add sliced fresh chilies or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce if you want to bring the heat.
Can I make Steak Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and double check your oyster sauce for gluten-free labeling. All the other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to keep the steak tender?
Don’t skip the marinade step, and be careful not to overcook the beef — a high heat sear for just a couple of minutes is perfect for locking in juices.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making Steak Stir Fry at home — it’s quick, vibrant, and so completely satisfying. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Your future self (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) will thank you!
PrintSteak Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy Free
Description
This Steak Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful main course packed with juicy strips of beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small carrot, sliced thinly
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch knob ginger, grated
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
For Serving (Optional):
- Steamed rice
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it a silky texture once cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside; this sauce will bring a rich, savory flavor to the stir fry.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer (work in batches if needed), and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned and almost cooked through. Transfer the steak to a plate.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onions, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the steak and its juices to the pan. Pour in the prepared stir fry sauce. Toss everything together, and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the steak stir fry hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions over steamed rice.
Notes
- Slice steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Feel free to swap or add your favorite veggies, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.
- This recipe cooks quickly—have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *