30-Minute Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
This 30-minute beef stir-fry delivers sweet, savory, and sticky flavors with tender flank steak and crisp mixed vegetables. The beef is seared to caramelized perfection and combined with a rich, glossy sauce served over fluffy rice—perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Beef
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 2–3 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for sauce mixture)
Other
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- Slice the Beef: Begin by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness during cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water to create a smooth, well-mixed sauce.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions so it’s ready to serve with the stir-fry.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned and caramelized on the edges, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables: Toss the mixed vegetables into the pan with the beef and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the veggies are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the hot stir-fry over freshly cooked rice and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Use any fresh or frozen mixed vegetables you prefer or have on hand.
- Marinate the beef for 15 minutes in some soy sauce and ginger to enhance flavor if time allows.
- Ensure the skillet or wok is hot before adding the beef to get a nice sear and caramelization.
Keywords: beef stir-fry, quick dinner, easy stir-fry, flank steak recipe, Asian stir-fry, weeknight meal