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Simple Marinated Stir-Fry Beef

Prep 15 min Cook 10 min Difficulty 2/5

Quick marinated beef stir-fry: thin-sliced beef, soy, vinegar, oyster sauce. Ready in 25 minutes—easy for weeknights.

Why this recipe works

Simple Marinated Stir-Fry Beef is a quick, savory dish of thinly sliced beef marinated in soy, vinegar and oyster sauce, then seared over high heat. It suits weeknight cooks, beginners, and anyone wanting a fast protein-focused stir-fry.

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Key takeaways

Marinate 15–30 minutes for better flavor and texture.
Use high heat and a single layer to get a quick sear.
Ready in about 25 minutes for a fast weeknight meal.

Recipe guide

Simple Marinated Stir-Fry Beef is a quick, savory dish of thinly sliced beef marinated in soy, vinegar and oyster sauce, then seared over high heat. It suits weeknight cooks, beginners, and anyone wanting a fast protein-focused stir-fry.

A fast, flavorful beef stir-fry you can make in under 30 minutes.

  • Marinate 15–30 minutes for better flavor and texture.
  • Use high heat and a single layer to get a quick sear.
  • Ready in about 25 minutes for a fast weeknight meal.

Ingredients

500 g thinly sliced beef, 2 tbsp cooking oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Method

Pat beef dry. Mix soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, salt and pepper and toss with beef; let sit 15–30 minutes. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer and stir-fry 3–5 minutes, tossing frequently, until browned and just cooked through. Drain excess liquid if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Serving

Slice beef thin across the grain for tenderness. Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Serve with rice, noodles or steamed vegetables; store leftovers in fridge up to 2 days.

Ingredients

  • 500 g raw beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat beef dry and place in a bowl.
  2. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, oyster sauce, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  3. Pour marinade over beef and toss to coat evenly; let sit 15–30 minutes.
  4. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Add marinated beef in a single layer, spreading pieces out to sear.
  6. Stir-fry beef for 3–5 minutes until browned and just cooked through, tossing frequently.
  7. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid if desired, then serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I marinate the beef longer? Yes—up to 2 hours in the fridge improves flavor; avoid much longer to prevent texture breakdown.
Can I use frozen beef? Thaw fully and pat dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
How do I avoid watery beef? Dry the meat well, avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook over high heat so juices evaporate quickly.