Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce

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

A savory stir fry combining equal parts tender beef strips and earthy mushrooms, coated in a flavorful garlic soy sauce for a quick weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes blends beef sirloin strips, sliced button mushrooms, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water until smooth to create the stir fry sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz beef sirloin strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through, then remove the beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 8 oz sliced button mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then return the beef to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the beef and mushrooms. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and mushrooms.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, if using. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving hot with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce?

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 Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-and-Half Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce?

Asian stir fry 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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