Top 5 Beef Stir-Fry Recipes for Family Dinners

• April 3, 2025
• Barry Herman
• 0 comments

At A Place 2 Meat, your trusted Brisbane butcher, we understand the importance of quick, nutritious, and delicious meals for busy families. Beef stir-fries are a fantastic option, offering versatility and rich flavors that can be tailored to suit any palate. Beef stir-fries tick all the boxes. Using quality Australian beef, these meals are cost-effective, easy to prepare, and always a hit at the dinner table.

Easy to Cook in 30mins Beef Stir-fry Recipes

Here are our top 5 beef stir-fry recipes to cook in under 30 minutes, complete with ingredients, cooking time, and estimated costs.

1. Classic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A timeless combination, this dish features tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory sauce. The key is to use high-quality beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar to enhance its flavor. Stir-fry the beef over high heat until browned, add the broccoli, and finish with a sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch for thickness. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
• Steamed rice, to serve

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Estimated Cost: $18 (serves 4)

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef with soy sauce, sugar, and cornflour for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or pan. Stir-fry garlic, then beef until browned.
3. Add broccoli and a splash of water; cover to steam slightly.
4. Stir in oyster sauce and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve with rice.

2. Ginger and Garlic Beef Stir-Fry

This aromatic stir-fry combines the pungent flavors of ginger and garlic with succulent beef strips. Begin by marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Stir-fry the beef until just cooked, then add sliced bell peppers and onions for added crunch and color. The result is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef rump or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 red capsicum, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp oil for frying

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Estimated Cost: $17 (serves 4)

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat oil and stir-fry beef until browned.
3. Remove beef, stir-fry onion and capsicum.
4. Return beef to pan, drizzle with sesame oil and serve.

3. Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this Szechuan-inspired stir-fry delivers. Use thinly sliced beef and marinate it in soy sauce and cornstarch. Stir-fry the beef with dried red chilies, Szechuan peppercorns, and a mix of vegetables like snap peas and carrots. The spicy and numbing flavors characteristic of Szechuan cuisine make this dish an exciting addition to your dinner rotation.

Ingredients:

• 500g flank steak, sliced thin
• 8–10 dried red chillies
• 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chilli paste
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 2 tbsp oil

Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
Estimated Cost: $19 (serves 4)

Instructions:

1. Toss beef with soy sauce, vinegar, and cornflour.
2. Stir-fry peppercorns and chillies in oil until fragrant.
3. Add beef and cook until just browned.
4. Add vegetables and chilli paste; stir-fry 2–3 minutes.
5. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

4. Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry

A family-friendly favorite, teriyaki beef stir-fry combines sweet and savory flavors that appeal to all ages. Prepare a homemade teriyaki sauce using soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger. Marinate the beef in a portion of this sauce, then stir-fry with vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Finish by adding the remaining sauce and cooking until it thickens. Serve over rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef strips (porterhouse or sirloin)
• 1 cup broccoli
• 1 red capsicum, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin or honey
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornflour (optional for thickening)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Estimated Cost: $18 (serves 4)

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, mirin/honey, ginger, garlic, and cornflour to make the sauce.
2. Stir-fry beef until browned; remove.
3. Stir-fry vegetables, then return beef and pour in sauce.
4. Cook until sauce thickens and serve over rice.

5. Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry

This dish features tender beef slices coated in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. Marinate the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch, then stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef and stir-fry green onions and garlic before returning the beef to the pan. Add a sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce, cooking until it thickens and coats the beef. The result is a glossy, flavorful dish that’s perfect over steamed rice.​

Ingredients:

• 500g flank or skirt steak
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cornflour
• 1 tbsp oil for frying

Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Estimated Cost: $17 (serves 4)

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef with soy sauce, hoisin, sugar, and cornflour.
2. Stir-fry beef in hot oil until crispy and browned.
3. Add garlic and green onions, cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Serve over steamed jasmine rice.

Tips for Perfect Beef Stir-Fry

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin, flank, or ribeye, and slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.​
• Marinate for Flavor: Even a short marination can enhance the beef’s flavor and tenderness.​
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry over high heat to quickly sear the meat and vegetables, preserving their texture and nutrients.​
• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Have all components ready before cooking, as stir-frying is a fast process.

For the best results, always use fresh, Australian beef. Visit us in-store at A Place 2 Meat, your Brisbane butcher, for premium cuts ideal for stir-fries and everyday cooking. We’re here to help you choose the right cuts and offer advice for perfecting your family meals.

Happy cooking!

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