Easy Beef Stir-Fry with 3-Ingredient Sauce

This quick and flavorful beef stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes with tender sirloin, colorful veggies, and a sweet-savory Asian-style BBQ sauce made with just three ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

For the Beef Stir-Fry

• 1 lb top sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium yellow zucchini, sliced on the diagonal
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ lb mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
• ½ Tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• 3 Tbsp oil, divided for sautéing

For the 3-Ingredient Asian BBQ Sauce

• 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce (such as Stubbs Original)
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, maple syrup, and soy sauce. Set aside.
2. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Once hot, spread the beef in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir and cook another 2 minutes, or until nearly cooked through. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute more. Pour in about 5 Tbsp of the prepared sauce and stir-fry for 1 minute, until the beef is fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm. Wipe the pan clean.
3. Cook the mushrooms: Return the pan to high heat, add 1 Tbsp oil, and sauté mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 5 minutes, until golden. Transfer to the plate with the beef.
4. Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil to the pan. Stir-fry onion, zucchini, and bell pepper for about 8 minutes, or until softened and lightly golden.
5. Combine everything: Return beef and mushrooms to the pan with the vegetables. Add more sauce to taste (about 2 Tbsp) and stir-fry briefly until everything is hot.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over steamed white rice or noodles.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Simple but bold sweet, smoky, and savory flavors
• Packed with fresh vegetables and protein
• Made with a 3-ingredient sauce you can whip up anytime

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Tips

• Slice the steak thinly against the grain for extra tenderness.
• Use a very hot pan or wok to get that perfect stir-fry sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
• Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the amount to your liking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Vegetables: Try broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, or snap peas.
• Sauce: Replace maple syrup with honey or brown sugar if desired.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use Tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

Can I freeze stir-fry?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet for best texture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Brown rice for extra fiber
• Noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti)
• A side of Asian cucumber salad or miso soup