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Quick Beef Stir-Fry

Quick and easy beef stir-fry recipe. I make this on my busiest weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 2396.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Wok or Large Skillet Essential for high-heat stir-frying and quick cooking, ensuring even browning.
  • 1 Chef's knife For precise and efficient slicing of beef and uniform cutting of vegetables.
  • 1 Cutting Board A stable surface for safe and hygienic preparation of all ingredients.
  • 1 Stir-Fry Spatula Ideal for effectively tossing and stirring ingredients in the wok, preventing sticking and burning.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For accurate measurement of oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic to maintain flavor balance.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 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

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat; add beef and stir-fry until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Move beef to the side of the wok and add broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, green onion, and garlic to the center of the wok; stir-fry vegetables for 2 minutes.
  • 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. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Serve hot and enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS

Notes

Achieve a proper sear on the beef by ensuring your wok is screaming hot before adding the meat; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the beef instead of browning it. For optimal texture, slice the beef against the grain into thin, uniform strips. Consider a light marinade with a touch of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar for extra tenderness and flavor. Stir-frying is about speed and high heat, so prep all ingredients (mise en place) before you begin. Vegetables should retain some crispness; avoid overcooking. Enhance the sauce with a dash of rice wine vinegar or a tiny bit of brown sugar for complexity. Freshly toasted sesame seeds added at the end elevate the aroma significantly.