If you’re looking for a super quick and easy Beef Stir Fry recipe, then you’re in the right place! This recipe is actually an Instant Pot beef stir fry recipe that’s incredibly easy to make from scratch. This recipe is not only mouthwateringly delicious, but it also utilizes a medley of fresh veggies and tender flank steak, all tossed in a homemade, flavor-packed Stir Fry sauce.

This recipe is not only mouthwateringly delicious, but it also utilizes a medley of fresh veggies and tender flank steak, all tossed in a homemade, flavor-packed stir fry sauce.

This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, combining juicy beef with a colorful combination of veggies, including red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, red onions, sugar snap peas, and mushrooms. It’s a fantastic way to get a wholesome and hearty meal on the table in no time, thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot.

What sets this Beef Stir Fry recipe apart is the delicious stir fry sauce. Forget about store-bought sauces - this homemade version, with its carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, beef bouillon, garlic, and ginger, will make sure you get the tastiest beef stir fry. Give it a try and experience a stir fry that’s restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen.

Want to learn how to make this beef stir fry recipe? Then keep on reading.

Table of Contents

What is Beef Stir Fry?
Why Makes This Beef Stir Fry Recipe Special?
What You Need to Make Beef Stir Fry at Home
How to Make Beef Stir Fry (Step-by-Step)
Tips for Making the Best Beef Stir Fry Ever
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stir Fry
Recipe Variation Ideas for Beef Stir Fry
Frequently Asked Questions for Beef Stir Fry
How to Store Leftover Beef Stir Fry
Similar Recipes You'll Love
Recipe Card
The Best Beef Stir Fry (Simple Instant Pot Recipe)
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What is Beef Stir Fry?

Beef Stir Fry is a delicious, savory, and convenient dish that combines tender flank steak with a rainbow of veggies, all brought together with a flavorful Stir Fry sauce.

What’s special about this recipe is that you can easily make it at home using an Instant Pot, which is a versatile kitchen appliance. This will allow you to sauté and pressure cook food in one pot, making the process easy and efficient.

The best thing is that this recipe is pretty straightforward and I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do step by step. The ingredients are also quite simple, and I’ll mention them some more in the next section of this post.

This dish is served over rice and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch. It’s a perfect recipe if you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and mouth-watering dish.

Whether you’re new to stir fry or an experienced hand, this beef stir fry recipe is sure to be a hit in your kitchen. Plus, any leftovers make for a fantastic next-day lunch!

Why Makes This Beef Stir Fry Recipe Special?

Easy to Make: This beef stir fry recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring only a few steps to achieve a mouth-watering dish. The use of an instant pot makes the cooking process even easier, giving you the flavors of a traditional beef stir fry in a less time-consuming way.

Versatile: The versatility of this dish is another factor that makes it special. You can easily swap out any veggies according to your preference or what’s available in your fridge. The recipe uses a variety of vegetables, including bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, offering a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals.

Delicious: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, and other ingredients create a flavor-packed sauce that soaks into the tender flank steak, making this beef stir fry recipe incredibly tasty. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, the result is a satisfying dish that’s sure to please.

Crowd Pleaser: This beef stir fry recipe is not only easy and delicious, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its savory flavors and appealing presentation make it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, easily reheated in a pan or microwave.

Perfect for Weeknights: Given its ease and quick cooking time, this beef stir fry recipe is the perfect go-to for busy weeknights. It offers a hearty and delicious meal without the need for hours in the kitchen, making it a favorite for families on the go.

Nutritious: In terms of nutrition, it's packed with protein and fiber while being low in sodium and calories. This way, you can make sure you get the right amount of carbohydrates without raising your cholesterol levels.

What You Need to Make Beef Stir Fry at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this beef stir fry recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Stir Fry:

Flank steak: You’ll be needing some flank steak to make this recipe. The steak, when cooked properly, will become incredibly tender and flavorful, making it the highlight of this beef stir fry.
Olive oil: We’ll also need some olive oil. The oil will help in sautéing the veggies, keeping them crisp and bringing out their natural flavors.
Red and Yellow bell pepper: You’ll be needing both red and yellow bell peppers to make this recipe. These peppers will add a vibrant color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
Broccoli florets: We’ll also need some broccoli florets. The broccoli will add a fresh crunch to the stir fry, making it even more enjoyable to eat.
Red onions: You’ll be needing some red onions to make this recipe. The onions will caramelize in the pan, adding a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Sugar snap or green peas: We’ll also need some sugar snap peas. The peas will provide a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to our beef stir fry.
Green onion and Mushrooms: You’ll be needing both green onions and mushrooms for this recipe. They will add a wonderful earthy flavor and a variety of textures to the stir fry.

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this beef stir fry recipe at home.

For the Sauce:

Soy sauce: We’ll also need some soy sauce. The sauce will give our beef stir fry a salty, umami flavor that is characteristic of this dish.
Sesame oil and Maple syrup: You’ll be needing both sesame oil and maple syrup for this recipe. The sesame oil will provide a nutty flavor, while the maple syrup will add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory components.
Organic beef bullion, garlic, and ginger: We’ll also need organic beef bullion, freshly pressed garlic, and freshly ground ginger. These ingredients will form the base of our Stir Fry sauce, infusing the dish with a rich, savory flavor.
Sesame seeds: You’ll be needing some toasted sesame seeds to make this recipe. The seeds will add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Cornstarch: We’ll also need some cornstarch. It will be used to thicken the stir fry sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to every piece of meat and veggie.
Water: You’ll be needing some water for this recipe. It’ll be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring it coats every ingredient in our beef stir fry.

How to Make Beef Stir Fry (Step-by-Step)

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish, the best beef stir fry recipe is your answer. This guide will walk you through how to create a delicious beef stir fry using a few simple ingredients and an Instant Pot. You can also use a large wok or a skillet if an Instant Pot is not available.

How to Prep Ingredients

First, you need to prepare your sirloin steak, which is the star of our beef stir fry. This type of beef is tender and perfect for this recipe. You need to carefully slice the sirloin steak thinly across the grain. Doing so will help ensure that your beef is tender and absorbs the flavor well.

You need to carefully slice the sirloin steak thinly across the grain. Doing so will help ensure that your beef is tender and absorbs the flavor well.

Next, it’s time to prep all your veggies. You can use a variety of vegetables, but for this recipe, we recommend using carrots and snow peas. Slice or chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to cook and eat in the stir fry.

Slice or chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces.

How to Make Beef Stir Fry in Instant Pot

Once your ingredients are ready, turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Wait until the light indicator shows that it’s hot. This is important since a hot pan sears the beef properly and locks in the flavor.

Now, lay out half of your thinly sliced steak onto the bottom of the Instant Pot. Let it brown on each side for about a minute. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the beef to release its juices, resulting in a dry dish.

After browning the first batch, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Repeat the same process with the second portion of the sliced steak.

After all the steak is browned, add and brown mushrooms. Remove mushrooms and set aside.

With all your steak and mushrooms browned and set aside, it’s time to add all your wet ingredients back into the Instant Pot. This includes soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, beef broth, freshly pressed garlic, and ground ginger.

These ingredients will combine to give your beef stir fry its distinct, mouth-watering flavor. Mix everything well to ensure all the steak slices are coated with the sauce.

Next, place the lid over the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your beef stir fry.

Once the high pressure cook cycle is done, quickly release the pressure. Be careful during this step to avoid steam burns.

With all your steak and mushrooms browned and set aside, it’s time to add all your wet ingredients back into the Instant Pot. This includes soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, beef broth, freshly pressed garlic, and ground ginger.

How to Adjust and Serve

To thicken the sauce, dilute some cornstarch with water and stir it into the cooked meat and sauce. Turn the Instant Pot to a sauté cycle and bring the mixture to a boil. This will give your beef stir fry a glossy, appetizing look.

Finally, turn the Instant Pot off and stir in all the prepped veggies into the pot. Close the lid and let the hot steam soften and steam the vegetables for about 15 to 20 minutes.

To serve, spoon your beef stir fry over a bowl of warm rice. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a crunch and enjoy your homemade, delicious beef stir fry.

Your delicious Instant Pot Beef Stir Fry is ready to be served!

Finally, stir in all the prepped veggies into the pot. Close the lid and let the hot steam soften and steam the vegetables for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Remember, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the microwave for a quick meal later.

Beef Stir Fry is a delicious, savory, and convenient dish that combines tender flank steak with a rainbow of veggies, all brought together with a flavorful stir fry sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Stir Fry Ever

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: For my beef stir fry recipe, I recommend using flank steak or sirloin steak. These cuts are known for their tenderness and flavor, perfect for a stir fry. Slice the steak thinly across the grain to ensure each piece is tender and flavorful.

Preparing Your Veggies: When preparing your veggies for your beef stir fry, remember to slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes the dish easier to eat but also ensures that the veggies cook evenly in the large wok or skillet.

Sautéing the Steak: For the best beef stir fry, sauté the steak in two different portions. This prevents overcrowding in the pan and ensures that all pieces of steak get the perfect amount of heat. Remember, overcrowding can result in the steak releasing its juices, leading to dry meat.

Mixing the Sauce: Combine your wet ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, beef bouillon, freshly pressed garlic, and ground ginger—in the same pot or pan where you sautéed the steak. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives your beef stir fry the intense flavor it’s known for.

Cooking Method: Using an Instant Pot for this recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also locks in the flavor. The high-pressure cooking infuses the beef and veggies with the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a rich, savory dish.

Adding the Cornstarch: Dilute the cornstarch in water before adding it to your beef stir fry. This prevents clumping and helps thicken the sauce, resulting in a dish with a pleasing texture and consistency.

Serving the Dish: Serve your beef stir fry over rice or noodles, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. This adds a little extra flavor and texture to the dish. And the best part? Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave, making it a dish that keeps on giving.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Stir Fry

Serving a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice alongside this beef stir fry is a classic choice. The rice soaks up the flavorful stir-fry sauce, transforming every bite into a savory delight. This combination is not only delicious but also filling, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
If you are a noodle lover, why not serve this beef stir fry over a bowl of noodles? The noodles can absorb the flavors of the stir fry and beef broth, creating an incredibly tasty and comforting dish.
Lastly, if there are any leftovers, you can heat them up in the microwave and serve the beef stir fry in a large bowl, garnished with some toasted sesame seeds. This way, you can enjoy the best beef stir fry recipe even on the following day, saving both time and effort.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Beef Stir Fry

This delicious beef stir fry recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Asian Fusion: For a delightful twist on this beef stir fry recipe, try adding noodles into the mix. Simply cook your favorite noodles according to the package instructions, then add them to the Instant Pot right before you add your veggies. This variation gives your stir fry a hearty addition, making it a complete meal in a bowl.

Sweet and Sour: If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy flavors, this variation is for you. Replace the maple syrup with a cup of pineapple juice and add a tablespoon of vinegar to the Stir Fry sauce. This will give your beef stir fry a unique sweet and sour flavor that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Vegetable Medley: If you’re looking to add more veggies into your diet, this variation is perfect. Add in an additional cup of your favorite vegetables, like snow peas and carrots. This not only adds more color to your dish but also increases its nutritional value.

Teriyaki Twist: For a Japanese-inspired take on this beef stir fry recipe, replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and the beef bouillon with beef broth. This will give your stir fry a sweet and savory teriyaki flavor that’s both delicious and comforting.

Sirloin Steak Stir Fry: For a more tender beef stir fry, use sirloin steak instead of flank steak. Sirloin steak is known for its tenderness, making it perfect for a beef stir fry. This variation is ideal for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious meal.

Chicken Variation: If you’re not a fan of beef or want to switch it up, you can replace the beef with chicken. This chicken stir fry variation is equally delicious and gives you a different flavor profile to enjoy.

Leftovers Revamp: If you have leftovers from the previous day, this variation is a perfect way to use them up. Simply substitute the fresh veggies with your leftover veggies. This not only reduces food waste but also saves you prep time.

What sets this Beef Stir Fry recipe apart is the delicious stir fry sauce. Forget about store-bought sauces - this homemade version, with its carefully balanced blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, beef bouillon, garlic, and ginger, will make sure you get the tastiest beef stir fry.

Frequently Asked Questions for Beef Stir Fry

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the flank steak with sirloin steak or another tender cut. The key to a tender beef stir fry is to slice the meat thinly and across the grain.

Can I use a pan or skillet instead of an Instant Pot?

Absolutely. While this recipe is designed for an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt it for a large wok or skillet. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.

What other veggies can I add to this beef Stir Fry recipe?

The beauty of a Stir Fry dish is its versatility. Feel free to add or substitute veggies as per your preference. Carrots, snow peas, and even leftover veggies would work great.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat in a pan or microwave when ready to eat.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can replace beef with chicken to make a chicken stir fry. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken usually cooks faster than beef.

Can I make it without the beef broth?

The beef broth enhances the flavor of the stir fry, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with vegetable broth or even water.

Can I add noodles to this stir fry?

Certainly! You can add cooked noodles to the stir fry at the end, making sure they’re well coated with the sauce. This adds a lovely texture to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a balance of flavors but isn’t inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat.

Can I make this stir fry in a regular pot?

While a wok or skillet is best for Stir Fry due to their shape and heat distribution, a regular large pan can work if it’s all you have on hand.

Can I use frozen veggies for this beef Stir Fry recipe?

Yes, frozen veggies can be used in this recipe. However, they might release more water, so you may need to adjust the sauce or cooking time accordingly.

What is the best way to serve this stir fry?

The best beef stir fry is typically served over rice or noodles. You can also serve it in a bowl with some additional sauce on the side.

Do I have to use maple syrup in the Stir Fry sauce?

The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the dish. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey or brown sugar.

How to Store Leftover Beef Stir Fry

Storing leftovers of the best beef stir fry recipe is very straightforward. After serving your beef stir fry, be sure to let any leftovers cool down before storing. Once cooled, transfer the beef stir fry into an airtight container. It’s important to not let the leftovers sit out for too long, as this can promote bacteria growth.

If you plan to consume the beef stir fry within the next 3-4 days, storing it in the refrigerator is your best option. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover beef stir fry, simply reheat it in a skillet or large wok over medium heat until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave to reheat your leftovers. Just be sure to stir halfway through heating to ensure even warming.

To thaw frozen leftovers, it’s best to let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat your stir fry on the stovetop, or in the microwave. The veggies, like snow peas and carrots, might lose some of their crunch when frozen and reheated, but the flavor will still be as delightful as ever.

Freezing beef stir fry is also an option, especially if you want to extend its shelf life. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag. It’s worth noting, however, that while the beef, especially a tender sirloin steak, will freeze well, the veggies may become a bit mushy upon thawing due to their high water content. Despite this, the delicious flavor of the beef stir fry will remain, making it a dish you can enjoy any time you want.

No matter which storage method you choose, this beef stir fry recipe, with its robust flavors, will remain a delightful dish to savor. The best thing about this recipe is that it can be made in an instant pot, adding an extra layer of convenience to your weeknight meals.

This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, combining juicy beef with a colorful combination of veggies, including red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, red onions, sugar snap peas, and mushrooms.

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The Best Beef Stir Fry (Simple Instant Pot Recipe)

What is Beef Stir Fry?

Why Makes This Beef Stir Fry Recipe Special?