Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry

Name: Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Balanced Meal Recipes

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry on busy weeknights when I crave something quick yet flavorful. This dish features tender, juicy beef coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that brings everything together beautifully. The aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist the final dish. We serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, and it never fails to impress. Whether you're cooking for family or just for yourself, this recipe is my go-to choice when I want something delicious in under 30 minutes.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:14:28.170Z

While experimenting with different stir-fry recipes, I stumbled on the perfect combination of garlic and butter that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry is a testament to that. Each bite of tender beef, combined with crunchy vegetables and a rich garlic butter sauce, is nothing short of a culinary delight.

The key to making this stir-fry successful is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so having everything within reach allows you to focus on achieving that delicious, seared beef and perfectly cooked veggies.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich garlic flavor enhanced by creamy butter
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
A vibrant dish that appeals to both kids and adults

      

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The foundation of this Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry lies in the high-quality flank steak. This cut not only offers a rich beef flavor but also remains tender when sliced correctly against the grain. When shopping, look for meat with a deep red color and a firm texture. For those who prefer a leaner option, sirloin or tenderloin can also work well, but may require slightly less cooking time to avoid drying out.

Garlic is another hero ingredient in this dish. The minced garlic sautéed in butter becomes aromatic and flavorful, infusing the entire stir-fry. To truly maximize the garlic's flavor, try using fresh cloves. If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy kick.

Perfecting Your Technique

When stir-frying, use a large skillet or wok and keep your heat at medium-high. This ensures a quick sear on the beef, locking in juices and creating that delicious brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; if necessary, cook the beef in batches to maintain the right temperature and prevent steaming. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color while keeping the beef tender and juicy.

Timing is crucial in this recipe, specifically when cooking your vegetables. Aim for a tender-crisp texture by sautéing them just enough to brighten their colors and maintain their crunch. About 3-4 minutes should suffice for the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. This not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also preserves the nutrients.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious meal.

For the Stir-fry

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to wash and prepare the vegetables beforehand for a seamless cooking process.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for a smooth cooking experience.

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather and prepare all ingredients. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness and to chop the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced beef, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring everything together until well-coated. Cook for an additional minute to heat through, then serve hot.

Serve the stir-fry immediately over rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your Garlic Butter Beef Stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or al dente noodles, such as soba or rice noodles. The sauce clings beautifully to these bases, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Consider garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual flair.

If you have leftovers, combine them with fresh greens like spinach or arugula for a quick salad. This not only adds freshness but also stretches the dish for another meal. Alternatively, you can wrap the stir-fry in tortillas for a delicious take on beef fajitas.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're looking to prep in advance, you can slice the beef and chop the vegetables the night before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. On cooking day, the dish will come together even faster, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal in under 30 minutes.

For storage, you can keep leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce. If you want to freeze portions, ensure they are cooled completely before transferring them to freezer-safe bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months but may lose some texture upon reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, chicken works well in this recipe. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts sliced thinly.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include snap peas, baby corn, or any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce.