Variation
Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek or dried chili flakes to the sauce.
Dinner · Main Course · Chinese-American
Beef Stir Fry With Blistered Snap Peas
This beef stir fry delivers bold umami flavors and perfectly tender meat paired with sweet, blistered snap peas.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Easy
Serves
4
Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Prep and Velvet
- 1
Marinate the Beef
Toss the sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Tip: The baking soda acts as a tenderizer, creating a silky texture similar to takeout.
- 2
Whisk Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
How to Make Beef Stir Fry With Blistered Snap Peas
Total time: 25 min · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or cast iron skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without moving it to develop a crust. Flip and cook for 1 more minute, then remove from the pan.
- 2
Blister the Vegetables
Wipe the pan if needed and add the remaining oil. Toss in the snap peas and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the snap peas show small charred spots but remain crisp-tender.
- 3
Combine and Glaze
Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss constantly for 60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- 4
Final Toss
Add the scallions and give one final toss. Remove from heat immediately to prevent the beef from overcooking.
Chef's Tips
- Slice the beef while it is slightly frozen to get paper-thin strips.
- Ensure the pan is smoking hot before adding the meat to get a proper sear.
- Do not crowd the pan; cook the beef in two batches if necessary.
What to Serve with Beef Stir Fry With Blistered Snap Peas
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Recipe Variations
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Variation
Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure the oyster sauce is certified GF.
Variation
Broccoli: Swap snap peas for small broccoli florets.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to maintain vegetable texture.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cut of meat for beef stir fry?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they are lean and cook quickly. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How do I prevent my beef stir fry from being watery?
Ensure the pan is very hot and avoid overfilling it. Too many vegetables at once will steam rather than sear, releasing excess moisture.
Can I use frozen snap peas?
Fresh is highly recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them completely dry before adding to the hot oil.
How long should I cook the beef?
High heat is key. The beef only needs about 3 to 4 minutes total to stay tender.
Is a wok necessary for this recipe?
No, a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet works perfectly as long as it can hold high heat.
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