Quick Beef Stir-Fry Recipe with Veggies and Garlic Sauce

Tender, savory, and full of flavor, this Beef Stir Fry is an ideal weeknight dinner that’s quick and simple to prepare. Thinly sliced, marinated flank steak stays juicy and pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and a crunchy garlic topping. A savory sauce with a touch of heat brings everything together for a dish your family will want again and again.

If you enjoy stir-fries, try the Chicken Stir Fry recipe for another fast, flavorful meal.

Kelley’s Tips

Before You Get Started

• Slice Against the Grain. Cut flank steak thinly across the grain so each bite is tender and easy to chew.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. Cook the beef in batches to maintain a good sear and keep the meat tender.
• Customize the Vegetables. Swap in favorites like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for variety and different textures.

Ingredients Needed

• Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, salty base for the marinade.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds deeper color and a richer flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce a silky finish.
• Japanese Curry Powder: A warm, aromatic note that enhances the marinade.
• Baking Soda: A small amount helps tenderize the beef for a softer bite.

• Vegetables: Broccoli, bell pepper and red onion are used here, but use what you have on hand.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a toasty, nutty finish.
• Korean Chili Flakes: For a subtle spicy kick—adjust to taste.

How To Make Beef Stir Fry

1. Slice the Steak: Cut the flank steak across the grain into thin strips.
2. Make the Marinade: Combine the steak with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, and curry powder. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the other components.

3. Cook the Garlic: Place thinly sliced garlic and peanut oil in a cold pan, then heat over medium. Cook until the garlic turns golden, stirring and watching closely to prevent burning.
4. Drain the Garlic: Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt. Reserve the flavored oil for cooking the vegetables.

5. Sauté the Vegetables: In the reserved garlic oil, sauté vegetables over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to color but remain crisp-tender. Transfer them to a plate.

6. Cook the Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Cook the beef in two batches to avoid overcrowding, about 1–2 minutes per side for a nice sear without overcooking.

7. Sauté Everything Together: Return the vegetables to the pan with the beef. Add dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through. Remove from heat and serve immediately topped with the crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed Rice: Fluffy white or jasmine rice soaks up the sauce and makes each bite more satisfying.
• Noodles: Toss with soba, rice noodles, or udon for a hearty variation.
• Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, low-carb option that still pairs well with the sauce and vegetables.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and a subtle nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.

Recipe

Beef Stir Fry

5 from 1 vote

Tender, savory, and packed with flavor, this Beef Stir Fry is a quick and easy weeknight meal. Marinated flank steak pairs with crisp vegetables and a crunchy garlic topping for a satisfying dinner.

Author: Kelley Simmons

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Serves 4 servings

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Ingredients

Marinade

• 1 lbs thinly sliced flank steak, cut against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp Japanese Curry Powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Crispy Garlic Topping

• 5 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• pinch of salt

Stir Fry / Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli
• 1 bell peppers, diced into large chunks
• 1 medium red onion, diced into large chunks
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp Korean chili flakes

Instructions

Marinate Beef

• Slice flank steak across the grain into thin strips.
  
• Combine steak with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, and curry powder. Mix and set aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  

Crispy Garlic Topping

• Add sliced garlic and peanut oil to a cold pan. Turn heat to medium and cook until garlic is golden, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  
• Remove garlic with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and reserve the oil for frying vegetables.
  

Saute Vegetables

• Sauté vegetables in the reserved garlic oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until they start to color. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  

Cook Beef / Assemble

• Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and cook the beef in two batches to avoid overcrowding, about 1–2 minutes per side.
  
• Return the vegetables to the pan along with dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes to coat everything in the sauce. Remove from heat and serve topped with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and green onions.
  

Nutrition Information

Calories: 247kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 10g

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