Easy and Healthy Beef Stir Fry

By Rena Awada | Updated On October 10, 2020

This Beef Stir Fry recipe is a quick and easy healthy dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Tender beef marinated in a sweet and sticky soy sauce, then cooked with nutritious veggies and served over rice. It’s a delicious weeknight meal that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein.

beef stir fry in a black skillet


Stir fry recipes makes an amazing weeknight dinner or meal prep options because they’re easy to prep, simple to make, and loved by everyone. This quick and healthy Beef Stir Fry recipe is no exception! It’s full of protein from the beef, packed with nutrients from the veggies, and can be served over any healthy grain. The best part? It tastes better than takeout! 

Why You’ll Love this stir fry Recipe

  • Healthier than takeout. This recipe has plenty of protein, just the right amount of veggies, and a sauce made without the extra sugars typically found in a takeout stir fry. 
  • Flexible and adjustable. You can easily substitute the vegetables to use whatever you have in your fridge and you can serve it over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. 
  • Fast and easy. The whole dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a great meal for a busy weeknight. 
top view stir fry with beef, carrots and corn

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is just a quick list. For full measurements please keep scrolling down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Flank beef
Carrots
White onion
Baby corn
Olive oil
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Garlic cloves
Light-sodium soy sauce
Sesame oil
Honey

Ingredients for beef stir fry on counter

How to Make quick and healthy beef stir fry

  • Prep the beef. Cut the beef into 2-inch thick strips and place it into a shallow dish.
  • Make the sauce and marinate the meat. In a small bowl whisk all the sauce ingredients. Pour half of the sauce over the beef. Mix well and let marinate for a few minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Pouring marinade on sliced flank steak.
  • Chop the veggies. Cut the onion into half rings and carrots into thin strips.
Carrots, onions, and baby corn on cutting board
  • Cook the beef. Next, heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally until evenly golden brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
  • Cook the veggies. In the same pan add onion and garlic, then sauté until onion is slightly softened and garlic is fragrant. Next, add carrots and baby corn, then continue cooking until all the vegetables have reached the desired doneness.
  • Combine stir fry. Stir the beef into vegetables and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Cook for a few minutes until hot.
  • Garnish and serve. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve warm with cooked rice and enjoy!
Beef stir fry in a black skillet.

Tips and substitutes

  • Flank beef: Also called flank steak, this meat is rich and juicy, perfect for stir fry recipes.
  • Carrots: You can also buy carrots already cut in thin strips at some grocery stores.
  • Baby corn: Use fresh baby corn, not canned. You can also substitute fresh corn kernels if needed.
  • Light-sodium soy sauce: You can substitute with coconut amino as well, although the flavor may not be as rich.
  • Other vegetable options: You can substitute any of the veggies with snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Close up of veggies and steak in beef stir fry

FAQ’s

What vegetables should I put in my stir fry?

I used baby corn, onions, and carrots for this recipe. But you can substitute the veggies for whatever you have on hand. Peas, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, and mushrooms are all great choices.

What cut of meat is best for beef stir fry?

Flank steak is a great option because it stays tender and juicy, but cooks fast. You can also try thinly sliced skirt steak or sirloin steak.

How do I keep beef stir fry strips tender?

The key is to not overcook the beef. Cook it until it is golden brown but just underdone. It will finish cooking when you add it back in with the sauce, but won’t get tough because it won’t overcook.

What do I serve with beef stir fry?

This recipe can be served over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it with Asian noodles, fried rice, or extra steamed veggies.

close up beef stir fry in pan

Other delicious stir fry recipes

Top view of black skillet with beef stir fry

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beef stir fry in a black skillet

Quick and Easy Beef Stir Fry

This Beef Stir Fry recipe is a quick and healthy dinner of tender beef marinated in a sweet and sticky soy sauce, then cooked with nutritious veggies and served over rice.
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 368kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 2 lb flank beef chopped
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 white onion
  • 1 lb baby corn
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • 2 green onions sliced to garnish
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds to garnish
  • 2 garlic cloves minced

Sauce

  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup light-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  • Cut the beef into 2-inch thick strips and place it into a shallow dish.
  • In a small bowl whisk all the sauce ingredients. Pour half of the sauce over the beef. Mix well and let marinate for few minutes until you prep the rest of the ingredients.
  • Cut the onion into half rings and carrots into thin strips.
  • Next, heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef, in a single layer, and cook stirring occasionally until evenly golden brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef to a plate lined with a paper towel and set aside.
  • In the same pan add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is slightly softened and garlic is fragrant. Add carrots and baby corn, continue cooking until all the vegetables are desired doneness.
  • Stir the beef into vegetables, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Cook for a few minutes until hot.
  • Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve warm with cooked rice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Flank beef: Also called flank steak, this meat is rich and juicy, perfect for stir fry recipes.
  • Carrots: You can also buy carrots already cut in thin strips at some grocery stores.
  • Baby corn: Use fresh baby corn, not canned. You can also substitute fresh corn kernels if needed.
  • Light-sodium soy sauce: You can substitute with coconut amino as well, although the flavor may not be as rich.
  • Other vegetable options: You can substitute any of the veggies with snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
  • Storage: Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 368kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 831mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4248IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 3mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Rena Awada says

      Depends on the veggies you use. Divide it into 6 equal portions would be the best way to do it. But my guess would be close to 3/4 cup

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