How to Make a Quick and Easy Beef Stir-Fry for a Weeknight Dinner
Are you tired of pondering over what to cook for dinner after a long day at work? Fear not, because the solution is simpler and more delicious than you may think. A beef stir-fry is a fantastic option for a weeknight meal. It’s fast, packed with flavors, and the best part, it’s incredibly easy to make. This recipe doesn’t need you to be a professional chef; anyone can whip up this dish in no time. Here’s how you can make a mouth-watering beef stir-fry for your next weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- Beef: 1 pound of beef (like flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain. This makes the beef tender.
- Veggies: Use your favorite mix. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots work great.
- Garlic: 2 to 3 cloves, minced. It adds a punch of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, acting as the base for our sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon, to add depth.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the flavors.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This will help thicken our sauce.
- Oil: For frying – sesame oil or vegetable oil works great.
- Extras: Green onions and sesame seeds for garnishing.
The Preparation:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by slicing your beef into thin strips. This not only ensures it cooks quickly but also makes it tender. Next, chop your chosen veggies into bite-sized pieces, and mince your garlic.
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Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine a tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch-water mixture with the beef slices. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prep the rest. This process is what gives the beef that lovely, velvety texture we’re after.
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Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. This simple combination will be your stir-fry sauce, which will coat the beef and veggies in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Cooking:
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Heat the Pan: Place a large pan or wok over high heat and drizzle it with oil. You want the pan really hot to get a good sear on the beef without overcooking it.
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Cook the Beef: Add the beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to get a nice sear before you stir. Then, cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s almost cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.
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Veggies Time: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and veggies. Stir-fry them for about 5 minutes or until they’re just tender but still have a bit of crunch.
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Bring it Together: Return the beef to the pan. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the top, mixing everything well. Let it simmer for a minute or so until the sauce thickens.
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Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for that extra touch.
Serving:
Serve your delicious beef stir-fry over a bed of freshly steamed rice or noodles. The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Feel free to switch up the veggies based on what you have in your fridge or your preferences. The same goes for garnishes; you can add chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or drizzle some sriracha for heat.
Conclusion:
This quick and easy beef stir-fry is your new go-to for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. It’s a fantastic way to bring a flavorful, balanced meal to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. By prepping your ingredients beforehand, you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Experiment with different vegetables and sauces to keep it exciting, and soon, you’ll have a range of stir-fry dishes at your fingertips. Dive in, and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of a homemade beef stir-fry tonight.
