Easy Beef Stir Fry In A Sticky Asian Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Beef Stir Fry in a Sticky Asian Sauce is an ideal weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with savory goodness. The tender beef is stir-fried to perfection and coated in a sticky, slightly sweet, and savory Asian sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. The dish is balanced with crunchy veggies, and the rich sauce adds layers of umami that make it utterly satisfying. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the onion, bell peppers, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water to create the sauce.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined.
6. Serve the stir fry over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this stir fry. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
• More heat: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili for a spicy kick.
• Different vegetables: Feel free to swap in any veggies you like such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Noodles: Instead of rice, serve the stir fry over cooked noodles for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?

Yes, you can use other tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for quick cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze the beef stir fry?

It’s best to eat it fresh, but if you need to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight and reheat.

4. What should I serve this with?

Steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles are perfect accompaniments to this stir fry. You could also serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls.

5. Can I use pre-sliced beef for this recipe?

Yes, pre-sliced beef (often labeled as “stir-fry beef”) is great for this recipe. It will save you some time on prep!

6. Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn to bulk up the dish with more veggies.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the stir fry. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.

8. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar.

9. Can I add nuts to the stir fry?

Yes! A handful of cashews or peanuts would add some nice crunch and additional flavor to the dish.

10. How spicy is this stir fry?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili slices if you prefer a spicier version.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef Stir Fry in a Sticky Asian Sauce is a must-try dish that delivers on flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to serve guests, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s flavorful, packed with tender beef and fresh veggies, and coated in a savory-sweet sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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