Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
Beef:
- 1 pound flank, sirloin, or other tender cut, thinly sliced across the grain.
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- ½ cup snow peas or snap peas
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or sherry
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
- Cooked rice and/or noodles
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Prep the Ingredients:
- Thinly slice the beef across the grain.
- Slice your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients.
- Combine all the stir-fry sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.
Marinade the Beef:
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature (or in the refrigerator if marinating longer).
Cook the Stir-Fry:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook until browned, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
- Add the snow peas or snap peas and cook for another minute.
- Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pan.
- Give the stir-fry sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, or until sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Spoon the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Veg it up: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce for some heat.
- Sweet or savory: Play with the flavor of the stir-fry sauce by adding hoisin sauce, orange juice, or a bit of chili paste.
- Use what you have: Substitute similar cuts of beef or try this recipe with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
