Beef Stir Fry with Ginger and Garlic Sauce

Beef Stir Fry with Ginger and Garlic Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine to your home kitchen. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with fresh vegetables in a savory, aromatic sauce made with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness.

The result is a dish that is both hearty and light, with a perfect balance of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and bold, fragrant flavors. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this stir fry is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile, quick to make, and full of vibrant flavors. The combination of garlic and ginger creates an aromatic base that infuses every bite with warmth and depth.

The beef remains tender while the vegetables stay crisp, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The sauce is rich and savory with a subtle sweetness, making it irresistible over steamed rice or noodles.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a simple, approachable way. The combination of marinated beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold ginger-garlic sauce creates a balanced, delicious meal that appeals to all palates.

It’s highly adaptable, allowing you to switch vegetables, protein, or spice level according to your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
• Total time: 25–27 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350–400 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Cooking Directions

1. In a bowl, combine beef slices, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 5–10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
4. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, stir-frying 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Return beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir to combine and cook 2–3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
7. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Marinate beef: Mix beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, let sit 5–10 minutes.
2. Prepare sauce: Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, broth, and optional cornstarch.
3. Cook beef: Heat oil, stir-fry beef 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds.
5. Cook vegetables: Stir-fry peppers, carrots, and broccoli 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
6. Combine beef and sauce: Return beef, pour sauce, stir, and cook 2–3 minutes until beef is done and sauce thickened.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve Beef Stir Fry with Ginger and Garlic Sauce hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. It pairs well with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian-style soup.

Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for tender bites.
• Cook vegetables quickly over high heat to maintain crispness.
• Adjust the sauce sweetness by increasing or decreasing sugar/honey.
• Avoid overcooking beef to keep it tender and juicy.
• Toss vegetables and beef continuously while stir-frying for even cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, chili paste, or fresh chilies.
• Different Proteins: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
• Extra Vegetables: Add snow peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check hoisin sauce for gluten content.
• Noodle Stir Fry: Serve over rice noodles or lo mein for a twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, sirloin, flank, or ribeye are best for stir fry due to tenderness.

Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep beef and vegetables ahead. Cook quickly before serving for best results.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.

Q: Can I thicken the sauce more?
A: Yes, mix 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into sauce while cooking.

Q: Can I reduce the sodium content?
A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip or reduce oyster sauce.

Conclusion

Beef Stir Fry with Ginger and Garlic Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings the best of Asian-inspired flavors to your kitchen. Tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold ginger-garlic sauce create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma.

Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.