If you’re craving a savory, restaurant-quality stir-fry that comes together in minutes, this Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender strips of beef are seared to perfection, then tossed with fragrant scallions and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness — with caramelized beef, crisp scallions, and a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and can be customized to suit your spice level.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bunch scallions (about 6–8), cut into 2-inch pieces
- Optional: 1 small red chili, sliced thin (for spice)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, and sesame oil.
- Add sliced beef and toss until evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes to tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
- Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics
- Add the remaining oil to the wok.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and optional chili. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Scallions and Sauce
- Toss in scallions and cook for about 1 minute, keeping them slightly crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or extra scallion greens if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or garlic noodles for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli for added greens.
- For a spicy twist, add a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
- Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully without losing texture.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 27 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10 grams |
| Sugars | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 720 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins for sustained energy.
- Scallions and garlic add antioxidants and natural flavor without extra calories.
- Low in sugar and easily made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- High heat is key — it ensures the beef sears quickly without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to keep the beef caramelized, not steamed.
- Add scallions last to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.
Variations to Try
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Replace beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a lighter variation.
- For a Korean-style twist, use gochujang paste in place of hoisin sauce.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts or cashews for extra texture.
This Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions recipe is the definition of quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, vibrant scallions, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that rivals your favorite takeout but made fresh at home.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this easy stir-fry will become a go-to weeknight favorite — ready in under an hour and packed with bold, irresistible flavor.