Easy Green Bean and Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry is one of those fast, flavorful dinners I lean on when I want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time. Tender slices of beef, crisp green beans, and a savory sauce come together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And, the whole family will approve.
I love this recipe because it feels like takeout, but fresher and totally customizable. I’ve made it after long days when cooking felt like a chore, and it never disappoints. Serve it over rice or noodles, and dinner is done before you even think about ordering out.
If you enjoy quick takeout copycats like this, you might also like this teriyaki chicken stir fry, Chinese chicken salad, or cold noodles with peanut sauce. They all follow the same easy, fast-cooking method that works beautifully for weeknight meals.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes.
- Bold flavors: Savory, slightly sweet, and garlicky with just the right amount of heat.
- Versatile: Works with rice, noodles, or even on its own.
- Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients and no mystery sauces.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- London broil: Thinly sliced beef stays tender and cooks quickly in a hot pan.
- Soy sauce: Adds that essential umami flavor to both the marinade and sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Optional, but it deepens the dish’s savory flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Any neutral oil that can handle high heat will work fine.
- Fresh green beans: Provide crunch, color, and freshness.
- Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spicy note.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Rice vinegar or dry sherry: Brightens the sauce and balances the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional heat for spice lovers.
- Water: Loosens the sauce, allowing it to coat everything evenly. Add this slowly until you get the perfect sauce consistency.
How to Make Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.
- Saute the green beans in a large skillet with a small amount of oil until they blister slightly. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil and sear the beef until browned.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Return the green beans to the skillet with the beef, and add the remaining sauce ingredients.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce coats the beef and beans. Serve hot.
Substitutions and Additions
- Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil.
- Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of steamed rice.
- Different protein: Swap the beef for chicken or shrimp.
- Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
How To Store
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing:
Freeze for up to 2 months, though the green beans may soften slightly when thawed.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Prep all ingredients before heating the pan, because this stir fry cooks quickly, so you need to watch it.
- Cook the beef in batches if your pan is small. Don’t overcrowd or the beef will steam instead of brown.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sesame seeds or green onions make great garnishes.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Yes, but fresh green beans give the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry first.
You can leave it out altogether, however hoisin sauce makes a great alternative as well.
London broil, flank steak, or sirloin all work well when sliced thin.
Other Delicious Chinese Inspired Recipes You May Enjoy
- Sesame Orange Chicken
- Asparagus and Shrimp Stir Fry
- Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken
- Slow Cooker General TSO Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb London broil thinly sliced across the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 12 oz fresh green beans trimmed and cut in half
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce for sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or more oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or dry sherry
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 –3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch; set aside while prepping other ingredients.
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to blister and soften; remove to a plate.
- Add remaining oil to the pan, increase heat to high, and add beef in a single layer. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return green beans to the pan. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, hoisin or oyster sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and 2–3 tablespoons water. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients before heating the pan, because this stir fry cooks quickly, so you need to watch it.
- Cook the beef in batches if your pan is small. Don’t overcrowd or the beef will steam instead of brown.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
