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Sizzling Beef Stir Fry

Beef Stir Fry

A quick and delicious beef stir fry featuring tender, marinated steak and crisp-tender vegetables tossed in a savory, glossy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Marinade
  • 500 g sirloin or rump steak very thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the Stir Fry Sauce
  • 60 ml light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 120 ml beef or vegetable stock a low-sodium cube is fine
For the Stir Fry
  • 2 tbsp rapeseed or vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 cm piece of fresh ginger grated
  • 1 large head of broccoli cut into small florets
  • 1 red bell pepper deseeded and sliced
  • 1 large carrot peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 4 spring onions sliced into 2cm pieces, white and green parts separated
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornflour, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Use your hands to mix well, ensuring every piece is coated. Set aside for at least 15 minutes while you prepare everything else.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl or jug, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornflour, and beef stock. Whisk until the cornflour is fully dissolved to avoid lumps later. Set aside.
  3. Prepare your Wok: Place a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan over a high heat. Let it get smoking hot – this is crucial for a good sear. What works best for me is to let it heat for a good 2-3 minutes until you see faint wisps of smoke.
  4. Sear the Beef: Add 1 tbsp of oil to the hot wok. Carefully add the beef in a single layer, working in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
  5. Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to help steam the vegetables.
  6. Add a Splash of Colour: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the wok and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the vegetables to be crisp-tender, not soft and mushy.
  7. Combine and Thicken: Return the seared beef to the wok. Give your sauce a final whisk and pour it all over the beef and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, coating everything in a beautiful, glossy glaze.
  8. Finishing Touches: Turn off the heat. Stir in the green parts of the spring onions. Serve your sizzling beef stir fry immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If you enjoy spicy dishes, you'll love my Bang Bang Chicken Thighs recipe too!

Notes

Ensure the wok is smoking hot for the best sear on the beef. Serve immediately over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.