If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and ready in a flash, this Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender slices of beef with crisp green beans in a savory, homemade sauce that feels way better than takeout. Each bite bursts with freshness and a perfect balance of textures, making it an absolute weeknight winner whenever you want something satisfying but simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to build flavor, texture, and color in this Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe. Each component plays a role in making this dish an easy yet impressive meal.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced: Choose flank steak for its rich flavor and slice against the grain to keep it tender.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the dish.
- 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed: Crisp and bright, they add the perfect snap and vibrant green color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the stir-fry with essential aromatic depth.
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari: This salty umami kick is the backbone of the sauce flavor.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory soy.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy, clingy coating.
- ½ cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency just right.
How to Make Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), brown sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. Setting this aside allows all the flavors to combine and makes pouring it into the stir-fry seamless later on.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef. Stir-fry quickly until the beef is nicely browned but still juicy inside. Then, remove it from the pan to prevent overcooking and keep it tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans and Garlic
In the same pan, toss in the trimmed green beans and minced garlic. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes so the beans become crisp-tender—still vibrant and snappy, not mushy. This step locks in that fresh texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the browned beef back to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly—this is where the magic happens, creating that irresistible, glossy finish.
How to Serve Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch, while freshly chopped scallions bring a sharp, fresh bite that perfectly complements the savory notes. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes is an excellent choice to elevate the stir-fry’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe shines nicely served over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo. For a low-carb twist, fluffy cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative that absorbs the sauce beautifully. You could also serve it alongside simple garlic noodles or steamed dumplings to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this stir-fry into a vibrant bowl by layering it over mixed greens, allowing the warm sauce to wilt the leaves slightly. Another fun idea is to stuff the beef and green beans into warm lettuce wraps, adding a refreshing crunch and a delightful handheld experience for casual dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover beef and green bean stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making it a great meal for the next day as well.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for the best texture, it’s recommended to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the vegetables. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the beef stays tender and the green beans retain their crispness. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak also work well if sliced thinly against the grain.
What can I substitute for green beans?
You can swap green beans with snap peas, asparagus, or even broccoli florets—just adjust the cooking time slightly to keep them crisp-tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, this Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe is gluten-free and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy is this stir-fry?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or fresh ginger to introduce some gentle heat according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While beef is the star here, you can substitute tofu or tempeh and keep the green beans and sauce the same to enjoy a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe that makes you want to keep it in your weekly dinner rotation. It’s quick, packed with bold flavors, and so satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own — trust me, this one’s going to be a favorite in no time!
Print
Beef and Green Bean Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This beef and green bean stir-fry is a quick and savory Asian-inspired main course that features tender, thinly sliced flank steak and crisp green beans. The dish is enhanced with a homemade soy-based sauce, making it a delicious and healthy alternative to takeout favorite stir-fries.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce or tamari, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside while you cook.
- Heat the oil: Place a skillet or wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to get hot but not smoking.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the hot skillet and stir-fry quickly until it is browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the green beans and garlic: In the same skillet, add the green beans and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the green beans are crisp-tender, maintaining their bright color and crunch.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the green beans. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together thoroughly.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and green beans, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve the stir-fry immediately, ideally over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- For extra flavor, add chili flakes or fresh grated ginger when stir-frying the green beans and garlic.
- This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or low-carb cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
