Delicious beef stir fry with colorful vegetables, garnished and ready to serve, showcasing a quick 30-minute recipe.
Beef

Cheap Recipes: Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes

This beef stir fry is a game-changer for budget meals, combining simple ingredients into a delicious dish in just 30 minutes.

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Quick Meal Magic
Speedy Dishes for Every Occasion
Created By
Quick Meal Magic
Recipe Type
Beef
Difficulty Level
easy
Type of Cuisine
Asian
Portions
4 Servings
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 15 min
Total Time 30 min
Servings 4
Scale
Recipe by Quick Meal Magic Published on December 7, 2025

This beef stir fry is a game-changer for budget meals, combining simple ingredients into a delicious dish in just 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Recipes cheap

  1. Marinate the sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

    Tip: Marinating longer enhances flavor and tenderness, but 15 minutes works well if you're short on time.

  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.

    Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the beef sears rather than steams.

  3. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

    Tip: Look for a deep brown crust for maximum flavor.

  4. In the same pan, add onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.

    Tip: Maintain high heat to achieve a charred, smoky flavor.

  5. Return the beef to the pan. Add remaining soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and coat everything in the sauce.

    Tip: Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from clumping.

  6. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

    Tip: Garnish with scallions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pro Tips & Notes for Recipes cheap

Storage & Reheating for Recipes cheap

Storage: To store, let the stir fry cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, to evenly distribute the heat. To refresh the texture, add a little soy sauce or sesame oil before serving.

Essential Tools for Recipes cheap

Allergy Warnings

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if necessary.

  • Always check ingredient labels for allergen information
  • Substitutions may alter allergen content
  • Cross-contamination may occur during preparation

Nutrition Details (Per Portion) for Recipes cheap

This information is meant for educational use and shouldn't replace medical guidance.

350
Calories
25g
Protein
15g
Carbs
20g
Fat
3g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
800mg
Sodium

What to Serve With This for Recipes cheap

The Finished Result for Recipes cheap

Delicious Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes, featuring tender beef strips, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce, ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions for Recipes cheap

What are some recipes cheap for beef stir fry?

Use affordable cuts like flank steak, basic pantry ingredients, and seasonal vegetables to keep costs low.

How do I tenderize cheap cuts of beef?

Marinate with soy sauce and cornstarch, and slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make beef stir fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance and quickly cook them when ready to serve.

What vegetables can I use in beef stir fry?

Bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and snap peas are great options for a colorful, nutritious stir fry.

How do I avoid soggy stir fry?

Cook on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a crisp texture.

What can I serve with beef stir fry?

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa to complement the flavors and soak up the sauce.

Cheap Recipes: Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
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