Simple Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Serving Size: 4 servings
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Introduction to Simple Beef Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique that produces perfectly tender beef and vegetables. This dish combines the flavors of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili pepper in an easy-to-follow recipe. It is both delicious and nutritious. For those looking for a quick and tasty meal idea, this simple beef stir-fry should be at the top of your list.

Beef stir-fries are widely loved because they offer a variety of flavors to suit different taste buds. From sweet and savory to spicy and tangy, you can easily adjust the seasoning based on personal preference. If you're new to cooking or want something quick for dinner, this recipe will make it easy for you.

Ingredients

1 lb lean beef, thinly sliced into strips (about 0.5 inch thick)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
2 carrots, julienned
1 large onion, sliced into rings
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your taste preference)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Slice the beef into thin strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger root. Slice the red bell pepper, carrots, and onions.
Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, sugar (if using), chili flakes or cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper to taste for the stir-fry sauce.
Heat the wok: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Cook beef: Add the sliced beef strips to the hot wok and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The beef should turn light brown and be cooked through but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Saute vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil into your wok if necessary. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, carrots, and onions for about 3-4 minutes or until they soften slightly but still retain their bright color.
Mix everything together: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour over the soy sauce mixture. Toss all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle some cilantro leaves on top if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles, according to your preference.

Tips and Variations

Freshness matters: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic, ginger, bell peppers, carrots, and onions will give you a brighter taste experience compared to older ones.

Vary the sauce: You can replace soy sauce with oyster sauce or hoisin sauce depending on what flavor profile you are aiming for. Adding a touch of sesame oil towards the end of cooking can also enhance the aroma and texture.
Increase protein: For extra protein, you could add more lean beef or mix in some tofu. If using tofu, cut it into cubes before marinating with soy sauce and spices to allow for even cooking.

Benefits of Beef Stir-Fry

Beef stir-fries are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. They provide a balanced diet that supports muscle growth, energy production, brain health, skin integrity, immune function, and bone strength.

Moreover, the stir-frying process is relatively quick and uses minimal oil which helps in reducing fat intake while still providing all the vital nutrients from the beef and vegetables used.

Conclusion

This simple yet flavorful beef stir-fry recipe can be easily prepared within 20 minutes. It's perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to impress your family with a quick, healthy meal. Whether served over rice or noodles, it guarantees satisfaction and enjoyment. Feel free to experiment with different spices and vegetables based on personal preferences.

p>Next time you're looking for a simple dish that combines great taste with nutritional value, try this beef stir-fry!