Easy Beef Stir-Fry

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A quick and flavorful beef stir-fry featuring tender sirloin, sweet jelly glaze, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. top sirloin, cut in thin strips
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1/2 c. currant jelly or apple jelly
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat in oil in a skillet.
  2. Combine the currant or apple jelly, cornstarch, and Dijon mustard to make the sauce.
  3. Add the sauce to the browned meat in the skillet.
  4. Add the San Francisco vegetables to the skillet.
  5. Cover and simmer, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
  6. Serve the stir-fry over rice or Chinese noodles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more vibrant stir-fry, consider adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas along with the San Francisco vegetables. If you can't find currant jelly, apple jelly is a great substitute. To thicken the sauce more efficiently, mix cornstarch with a bit of cold water before adding it to the skillet. This technique is often used in Chinese recipes for a smooth finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef stir-fry over steamed rice or Chinese noodles for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Stir-Fry Cabbage And String Beans for a nutritious boost. For a complete dinner, consider adding a light salad or some fresh fruit to cleanse the palate.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat for best results, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can lead to uneven heating and rubbery texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Beef Stir-Fry contains roughly 879 calories, with 1g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value).

879 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 85.4g 100% DV
Carbs 28.8g 10% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 47.1mg 2% DV
Potassium 55.8mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 2.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 105.2mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 12.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

Yes, you can substitute top sirloin with cuts like flank steak or tenderloin, which are also great for stir-frying due to their tenderness. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this stir-fry vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of oil for a healthier option, and make sure to add more vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, simply add a little water or broth to loosen it up. Stir continuously until you reach the desired consistency. This will help achieve a better balance without compromising flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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