Stir-Fry Beef: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
This recipe provides a simple yet flavorful way to make stir-fry beef at home. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Beef: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick). You can also use flank steak or ribeye, but sirloin is a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Make sure to slice it thinly for optimal cooking.
- Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas (or snap peas)
- Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the sliced beef. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better, up to 30 minutes). This tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor. The cornstarch helps to create a beautiful glossy finish.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, prepare all your vegetables by slicing or chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
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Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable or canola) in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it's cooked through but still tender, about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the broccoli and snow peas and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked beef back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and vegetables nicely. The cornstarch in the sauce will help with thickening.
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Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry Beef:
- Thinly sliced beef is key: This ensures even cooking and prevents tough, chewy beef.
- High heat is essential: This helps to sear the beef and keep it tender.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the beef cooks properly and doesn't steam.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or brown sugar to your preference.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Use different protein: Substitute chicken or shrimp for the beef.
Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fry beef! Remember to share your culinary creations using #stirfrybeef. Happy cooking!