Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender flank steak and crisp vegetables in a savory-sweet glaze, ready in 30 minutes for a satisfying dinner. This asian ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 12 oz sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until smoking. Add steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to wok, then add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup broccoli florets, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return steak to wok, add 1/4 cup beef broth, and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Weeknight Beef Stir-Fry?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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