Are you new to meal prepping but eager to enjoy flavorful, healthy meals during the week? This Beef and String Bean Stir Fry is your perfect gateway recipe! Packed with vibrant veggies, tender beef, and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that’s just as good as takeout but healthier, easier, and more budget-friendly.
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Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1826mg | Potassium: 872mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2751IU | Vitamin C: 95mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 4mg
Why This Stir Fry Is Perfect for Beginner Meal Preppers
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The recipe uses pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil for a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. No need to hunt for hard-to-find ingredients!
- Minimal Prep Time: With just a few fresh ingredients and pre-mixed sauce, you’ll have everything ready in no time.
- Quick Cooking: From start to finish, this stir fry takes less than 20 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable for Your Taste: Don’t like string beans? Swap them out for broccoli or snap peas. Prefer chicken or tofu? Those work, too!
- Balanced and Nutritious: This dish is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats—keeping you full and satisfied without sacrificing health.
- Great for Reheating: The stir fry reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Divide it into containers and enjoy it all week long!
- Just as Good as Takeout: Skip the greasy takeout box—this stir fry delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the extra calories, cost, or waiting time.
To Make Beef and String Beans Stir Fry, You’ll Need
- Flank Steak: Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that cooks quickly when sliced thinly, making it perfect for stir fry. Its hearty texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies, adding a satisfying chew to each bite.
- Garlic: Garlic is the flavor base of this dish, adding a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the overall taste. It complements the beef and vegetables without overpowering them.
- String Beans: String beans provide a crunchy, fresh texture that balances the richness of the beef. They also absorb the savory stir fry sauce, giving you bursts of flavor with every bite.
- Red Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Its slightly crisp texture pairs well with the string beans and contrasts the tenderness of the beef.
- Green Onion: Green onions bring a mild, fresh onion flavor and a touch of brightness. Used as a garnish, they add visual appeal and a light, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty, toasted flavor and a subtle crunch. They’re a simple garnish that elevates the dish’s texture and aesthetic.
- Soy Sauce: The soy sauce is the backbone of the stir fry sauce, delivering a rich, umami-packed flavor that ties the ingredients together.
- Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce enhances the savory depth with a hint of sweetness, creating a balanced, complex flavor profile that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.
- Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the beef and sauce, giving the dish a refreshing balance.
- Honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness that offsets the salty and tangy elements, ensuring the stir fry has a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma that gives the dish its signature stir fry essence. A little goes a long way, and it rounds out the sauce beautifully.
How to prepare Beef and String Beans Stir Fry
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, lime juice, honey, and sesame oil until smooth. This is your stir fry sauce, which will bring all the flavors together—set it aside for now.
- Prep the Beef: Make sure your flank steak is sliced into thin strips (about ¼ inch thick) to cook evenly and quickly. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to help them sear properly.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s hot (you should see a slight shimmer on the surface). Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling it to coat the pan. Carefully add the beef strips in a single layer and let them sear without moving for 1–2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Veggies: Reduce the heat to medium to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic, string beans, and sliced red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the veggies start to soften but remain crisp.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly so the beef and veggies are well-coated. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Meal Prep Pairing Tips for Beef Stir Fry
- Carb Base Options : Classic white or brown rice soaks up the flavorful stir fry sauce and balances the meal. For extra indulgence, pair with a simple egg fried rice or veggie fried rice. Lo mein, soba, or rice noodles are excellent for turning this dish into a hearty, slurp-worthy meal.
- Light and Fresh Sides: A refreshing, tangy cucumber salad with a hint of sesame to complement the stir fry. Serve fresh or baked spring rolls for a light appetizer or side.
- Soup Pairings: A light, savory miso soup broth with tofu and seaweed adds warmth without overpowering the stir fry. Hot and Sour Soup with it’s bold flavors pair well with the sweet and savory stir fry.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who love spice, a drizzle of this adds a fiery kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tender when sliced thinly, but you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even pre-sliced stir fry beef. Just be sure to cut against the grain for the best texture.
What can I use instead of string beans?
If string beans aren’t available, try snap peas, broccoli florets, or zucchini. These veggies will still provide a nice crunch and pair well with the sauce.
What if I don’t have a wok?
No worries! A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works just as well. The key is to cook on high heat and keep the ingredients moving to prevent sticking or burning.
Beef and String Beans Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
Stir Fry Sauce
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition