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This 30-minute Steak stir-fry recipe is filling, tasty, and brimming with veggies. Super easy to make, it’s the perfect addition to your back-to-school weeknight dinner rotation.
We partnered with Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner., on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, to help you prepare for the back-to-school season with this protein-rich stir fry.
This Beef stir fry is a weeknight dinner lifesaver, especially when you’re dealing with the chaos of navigating the school season. When back-to-school preparation is in high-gear, it’s not just about buying new backpacks, pencils, and notebooks, shirts also a time to strategize about how you’re going to get healthy food on the table in between homework, after-school activities, and other day-to-day obligations. When you’re strapped for time, nothing beats a stir fry.
Teeming with Beef, this quick and easy stir fry is not only tasty, but it’s also full of protein and super versatile. Whether you’re packing lunches, preparing after-school snacks, or meal prepping for the week, it’s a wonderful dish to help you power through the week deliciously. My family loved this recipe and I know yours will too. Let’s get to it!
Steak Stir Fry Video
How to Make Steak Stir Fry
Making Steak stir fry only requires a couple, wholesome ingredients and a few simple steps to make. Below, find a quick hitter overview of the recipe.
- Prepare the Marinade: Using a whisk, mix together the marinade ingredients. Set aside.
- Chop the Veggies: Chop the bell pepper, broccoli, onion, and green onion. Set aside.
- Slice the Steak: Cut the Steak against the grain into thin slices using a sharp knife.
- Cook the Veggies: Over medium heat, stir fry the veggies in a wok or deep-frying pan and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Beef: In the same wok or pan, add the Beef and stir fry over high heat.
- Add Veggies & Sauce: Return the veggies into the wok with the Beef alongside the green onions. Add the sauce and stir fry until the sauce thickens. Enjoy as-is or alongside some steamed rice!
What does “against the grain” mean? Slicing against the grain means slicing against the muscle fibers in your cut of Beef versus alongside them. This breaks up the tough fibers and makes the Beef more tender and easier to chew!
Tips for the Best Beef Stir Fry
Below, find a collection of tips and tricks to help you make the best Beef stir fry on the planet.
- Slice the steak into similar-sized strips. By slicing your Steak into similar-sized pieces, you’ll promote even cooking.
- Partially freeze Steaks for easier slicing. Pop Steaks in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you slice them.
- Always slice Steak against the grain. Slicing against the muscle fibers of the Steak versus alongside them will make your stir fry more tender and easier to chew.
- Use Steak that is Choice or Prime grade. The better quality your Steak, the better quality your stir fry. Choice and Prime grades are superior.
- Pat Steaks dry before stir-frying. To help your Steak form a nice crust, pat it dry of any excess moisture with paper towels before stir frying.
What cut of Beef should I use? Always opt for Choice or Prime cuts of Beef. For this recipe, Flank Steak works best. However, you can also use Filet or Ribeye.
Serving Steak Stir Fry
This Steak stir fry can be served as a healthy lunch or dinner. You can also pack it into work lunches or serve it after-school as a hearty snack to tide you and your kids over until dinner (perfect for nights when you’re running to-and-from extracurricular activities!). For a well-rounded meal, pair it with some steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or buckwheat.
Storing Steak Stir Fry
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Steak stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan/wok with a bit of oil.
- Freezer: Freeze Steak stir fry by first allowing it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan/work with a bit of oil.
FAQ
How do I get tender Beef strips in my stir fry?
You get tender strips of Beef by cutting the Steak thinly and against the grain. By cutting through the Beef’s muscle fibers versus alongside them, you get more tender strips that are easier to chew.
Should I stir fry the meat or veggies first?
Always stir fry the veggies before the meat. Since they cook faster, you’ll want to set them aside until the Beef is done and add them back into the wok only when you’re ready to add in the sauce.
What cut of Steak should I use for stir fry?
Flank Steak or Strip Steak is by far the best cut for stir fry. It’s flavorful, readily available in grocery stores, and very affordable.
More Steak Recipes
- Grilled Ribeye Steak – Classic ribeye on the grill
- Easy Philly Cheesesteak (The Ultimate Guide) – A Momsdish favorite!
- Baked Steak with Vegetables – One-pan steak dinner
- 30-Minute Pepper Steak Stir Fry – Bell pepper and flank steak stir fry
Recipe
30-Minute Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Print Pin
Servings
6 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
This 30-minute Steak stir fry recipe is filling, tasty, and brimming with veggies. It's the perfect addition to your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef Steak
- 1 red bell peppers
- 8 oz broccoli
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 bunch green onions
- 2 tbsp oil, avocado or olive
Steak Stir Fry Marinade
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
US Units – Metric
Instructions
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger to create the stir fry marinade. Set aside.
Chop the bell peppers into strips and cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion into half rings and chop the green onion
Slicing against the grain, cut the Steak into thin strips.
Preheat a wok or deep-frying pan with oil. Add veggies (except green onion) and cook on medium-high until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same wok or pan, add Beef strips over high-heat until the Beef turns golden brown.
Add cooked veggies and green onions back into the wok with Beef. Pour the marinade in, give it a good toss, and cook on low for 2-4 minutes or until sauce slightly thickens.
Serve as-is or along with your favorite side. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
30-Minute Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 453 Calories from Fat 279
% Daily Value*
Fat 31g48%
Saturated Fat 11g55%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 92mg31%
Sodium 1100mg46%
Potassium 644mg18%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin A 2276IU46%
Vitamin C 60mg73%
Calcium 67mg7%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted August 9, 2021
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Lori ArevaloMar 6, 2024 Can you use frozen bell peppers in the dish
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 7, 2024 That should work Lori. They might be a bit softer or mushier than fresh peppers.
StephanieFeb 26, 2024 The recipe includes marinade but I don't see when to "marinate " the meat.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 27, 2024 Hi Stephanie, lol... such a great point, its more of a sauce. Can you tell that English is my third language. Thanks for pointing it out 🙂
Penny EricaonFeb 25, 2024 Even my verrrry picky husband loved it! I used Kikkomens stir fry sauce! Will definitely make this again!
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 27, 2024 Hi Penny, I love that we are making picky husbands happy.. lol... Thanks for sharing this, it really makes me happy to read comments.
Isabel FreemanFeb 18, 2024 A marinade is for....marinading meat so I put the beef in it for 30 minutes. Added garlic and halved snow peas as i didnt have broccoli.
Added a small amount of cornflour slurry to thicken sauce up slightly. Served with noodles and it was very tasty.Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 19, 2024 Hey Isabel,
Thanks for the feedback! So happy to hear you enjoyed this dish!
NicholasOct 29, 2023 A great tasting recipe and some great comments I took on board when making mine. I added garlic, I had no sesame oil so substituted that for sunflower oil and added toasted sesame seeds to the top of the dish with the spring onions. I did add a couple of dustings of plain flour just to thicken it up slightly too.
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 30, 2023 Thanks for the feedback Nicholas!
KimOct 24, 2023 I made this, not bad . I do believe some ingredients were left out. Cornstarch to help thicken the sauce and garlic . Meat should have been tossed in cornstarch or possibly a slurry made and added ,also garlic with the veggies. Just a suggestion.
TerrykJan 14, 2024 Look up a recipe for Velveting. Makes everything better!!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 25, 2023 Hi Kim, Thanks for the suggestions. Adding some garlic would be a nice touch. Enjoy!
ToriOct 12, 2023 Loveee this, added ikea gravy on top at the end and it was so good!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 13, 2023 Hey Tori, YUM! Steak with gravy sounds so good. Enjoy!
BeckySep 2, 2023 I made this this week. It was easy & delicious. I added more meat (there were 9 of us eating) and also carrots, water chestnuts & mushrooms. To the sauce i also added minced garlic. I will definitely make this again. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 4, 2023 Becky, I love all the additions, especially water chestnuts. Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I'm so glad it was a hit!
BrookeAug 12, 2023 Definitely going to add to my menu more often! We had lots of veggies to use from the garden so added snap peas and more peppers too. Also my husband is a big hunter so I used venison instead and served over rice. Very filling! Subed coconut aminos for soy sauce (gluten allergy) and coconut sugar for brown sugar and it turned out great! Sometimes the stir fry sauce is too salty for me but this was perfect! Thanks for an easy, yummy, cost efficient recipe!
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 14, 2023 Hi Brooke, I love how you adjusted the recipe to use what you have on hand! Thanks for sharing!
DennyJul 16, 2023 Perfect!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 17, 2023 Hi Denny, I'm so happy to hear it turned out perfect!
KateJul 7, 2023 I literally live on this!! I add a few more veggies (water chestnuts, snow peas, carrots) and season everything with Montreal steak seasoning, but it’s super easy and great for leftovers.
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 7, 2023 Hi Kate- yum! I am drooling as I'm reading your additions and twists on the recipe. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
DaleJun 7, 2023 I just made this for the first time and it was incredible!! My husband and I both loved it! We served it with white rice. It was easy and delicious! I followed the recipe to a T! It will be on my menu rotation for sure! Thank you!
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 8, 2023 Dale, this is so great to hear. I am happy that you guys love it. We also love serving it with rice. For work days, we would pack leftovers. So happy you got to try it.
MattMay 30, 2023 Great dish! Family loved it. Used asparagus instead of broccoli. All of the ingredients balanced perfectly. Quick and easy on a week night. Thanks!
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 30, 2023 Hi Matt, I love the idea of using asparagus. Thanks for sharing your tip and so happy you enjoyed the recipe.
Justin A JohnsonMay 10, 2023 This was sooooo good! Added minced garlic, but other than a bit of pepper it needed nothing.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 10, 2023 Hi Justin, I am thrilled to hear that you loved this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Enjoy!!
DebbieMay 2, 2023 I made this last night for dinner using petite sirloin steak and veggies i had available in frig. It turned out so flavorful I will be making this recipe often!!!! Thank you for a quick delicious recipe.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 3, 2023 Hi Sam, I am so glad I was able to bring another air-fryer recipe to the table! Enjoy!
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 3, 2023 Hi Debbie, I am thrilled to hear that you loved this recipe! Enjoy!!
RosieApr 19, 2023 It was amazing. Flavor was awesome. We ate it over rice boiled in better than beef bouillon.
My husband and son had seconds.
I also sir fried fresh green beans and it added more crunch. I will make it again but double the sauce, it was so good!!!Natalya DrozhzhinApr 19, 2023 Hi Rosie, I am thrilled that the recipe was a success. Thank you for sharing your feedback with me! Enjoy!
Karen BarnesApr 18, 2023 Tried this for the first time. It was delicious. Served over rice o roni
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 18, 2023 Hi Karen, I am so glad to hear that!! Thank you for your feedback. Enjoy!
Mike CApr 11, 2023 Quick and easy. Turned out great.
I added some seasoning salt to the beef as it cooked. Served over egg noodles. Yummy!Natalya DrozhzhinApr 12, 2023 Hi Mike, I am thrilled to hear that the recipe was a success! Thank you for sharing your feedback. Enjoy!
AshleyFeb 27, 2023 What cut of meat do you suggest using? Flank steak? Top sirloin?
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 28, 2023 Hi Ashley, Flank Steak or Strip Steak is by far the best cut for stir fry. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
JessicaFeb 16, 2023 It’s very good. However, the beef needs more seasoning. Did it twice and both times beef strips were bland. Why isn’t mine coming out right?
Isabel FreemanFeb 18, 2024 Didnt find that in the slightest. I did however put the beef in the marinade for 30 minutes and I always use light soy sauce (lower sodium). Maybe that made a difference but certainly wouldnt say it was bland 😊
SamApr 7, 2023 Fortunately, I read this before cooking, and I agree. I had to season the beef because it was very bland.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 16, 2023 Hi Jessica, a lot of the flavor comes from soy sauce. Which brand did you use? Sometimes the low sodium has less flavor. We have one that we recommend linked in the recipe. Let me know if this helps.
Ann VJan 6, 2023 Made this recipe tonight it turned out great my family loved it will definitely make it again. Thank you for sharing!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 6, 2023 I am so glad to hear that, Ann! Thank you for your feedback! Enjoy!
MichelleDec 19, 2022 My beef is tough to chew. Where did I go wrong?
Thanks
Natalya DrozhzhinDec 19, 2022 Hey there Michelle, My first thought is, I am wondering if you sliced the beef against the grain?
EllieNov 22, 2022 Absolutely delicious. I added brown rice and we had a very tasty, healthy dinner. Cooking is my happy place and this stir fry took me there immediately. Thank you!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 22, 2022 Hi Ellie, I am so glad this recipe was a success and brought you great joy! Thank you for the feedback! Enjoy!
MicheleNov 18, 2022 Delicious 🤤 came out great!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 18, 2022 Thank you, Michele!
Glouie S.Nov 9, 2022 Wicked good!!!💕me and my husband loved it!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 9, 2022 So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! Enjoy!
JerryOct 30, 2022 Wow this was good!!!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 31, 2022 Hi Jerry, So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback!
JessicaOct 10, 2022 Delicious. I added garlic to the sauce. I also added shredded carrots, snow peas and water chestnuts. I definitely recommend this recipe
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 11, 2022 Hi Jessica, That sounds delicious! Thank you very much for your feedback! Enjoy!
Dar FrankAug 28, 2022 I had plans to fix steak kabobs but out of propane for my gas grill. Can I use my wok to stir fry large chunks of strip steaks and large chunks of veggies? I know I can, but what adjustments would I need to make?
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 29, 2022 Hey Dar, I would probably start with cooking the meat fists on very high, add veggies towards the end so they dont over cook. Also you dont want to crowd the wok or they wouldn't get a nice golden color.
JeanetteAug 26, 2022 Didn't have any broccoli or fresh gingers so used zucchini and dried and only about half the beef and still turned out great!
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 26, 2022 Hi Jeanette - I love when readers substitute with veggies they have on hand! Thanks for giving our recipe a try. 😀
SamAug 22, 2022 Love this. Think I’ll add carrots instead of green onion hopefully it doesn’t throw it off too much
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 22, 2022 Hello Sam- I hope you enjoyed it!
