Cheap Recipes: Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes (Print-Friendly Version)

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

# Ingredients You'll Need:
01 - 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
03 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
04 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or any neutral oil
05 - 1 medium onion, sliced
06 - 2 medium bell peppers, sliced, any color
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
# How to Make It:
01 - 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.
02 - 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.
03 - Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
04 - In the same pan, add onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
05 - Return the beef to the pan. Add remaining soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and coat everything in the sauce.
06 - Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
# Extra Information:
01 - Always slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
02 - Use a wok for best results, as it heats quickly and evenly.
03 - For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
04 - Add more heat with chili flakes or fresh chilies to spice up the dish.
05 - Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
06 - 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.
# Recipe Details:
01 - Prep time: 15 minutes
02 - Cook time: 15 minutes
03 - Servings: 4
04 - Recipe by: Quick Meal Magic

Cheap Recipes: Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes

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.

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Delicious beef stir fry with colorful vegetables, garnished and ready to serve, showcasing a quick 30-minute recipe.
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Cheap Recipes: Easy Beef Stir Fry in 30 Minutes

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

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • flank steak: 1 pound - thinly sliced against the grain
  • soy sauce: 1/4 cup - low-sodium preferred
  • cornstarch: 2 tablespoons - divided
  • vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon - or any neutral oil
  • onion: 1 medium - sliced
  • bell peppers: 2 medium - sliced, any color
  • garlic: 3 cloves - minced
  • ginger: 1 inch - peeled and minced
  • black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon - freshly ground

Instructions

  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.

Notes

  • Always slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Use a wok for best results, as it heats quickly and evenly.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
  • Author: Quick Meal Magic
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Beef
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Keywords: recipes cheap, beef stir fry, quick dinner, easy recipes, budget meals, asian cuisine, one-pan meals, stir fry, weeknight dinner, dairy-free, meal prep, healthy eating, family-friendly, quick recipes, affordable meals

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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.