Description
Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry
Add a zesty twist to your beef stir-fry with lemon juice and honey!
Ingredients:
500g sirloin steak, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
Marinate beef with soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and lemon juice for 15 minutes.
Heat sesame oil in a skillet, cook beef until browned, then remove.
Stir-fry garlic and onion. Return beef to the skillet.
Add remaining honey, toss well, and serve hot.
Fresh and tangy!
#LemonGarlicBeef
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Beef: Slice 500g of sirloin steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips. This ensures tenderness.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the full tablespoon of lemon juice. Add the beef strips, ensuring they are fully coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
5. Combine and Glaze: Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Toss everything continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef beautifully. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. A side of simple steamed broccoli or snap peas completes the meal.
How-to Summary
Slice beef against the grain and marinate briefly in a mix of soy, honey, and lemon. Quickly sear the beef in hot sesame oil, then remove. Stir-fry garlic and onion in the same pan. Return the beef, add the remaining honey and soy, and toss until glazed. Serve hot over your chosen base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent, budget-friendly alternatives. Just remember to slice very thinly against the grain.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time? Absolutely. You can mix the marinade and slice the beef, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Combine them 15 minutes before cooking.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What can I do? Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add it to the skillet in the final step and toss until the sauce coats the beef.
What can I use instead of honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar are good substitutes, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding all the beef at once steams it instead of searing it. Cook in batches for perfect browning.
- Overcooking the Beef: Sirloin cooks quickly. Remove it from the pan when it’s just browned, as it will finish cooking when returned to the glaze.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic to the pan just after the onion has started to soften. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
- Skipping the Marinate Time: Even 15 minutes makes a significant difference in flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy, and tangy lemon creates an irresistible glaze that pairs with everything. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s a reliable recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your weekly rotation.
