Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions – Savory, Fast, and Better-Than-Takeout

Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions is a quick, flavor-packed dish featuring thinly sliced beef seared until tender, tossed with fragrant scallions, garlic, and a glossy savory sauce. Every bite is juicy, garlicky, and full of umami, with the scallions adding fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef.

This recipe brings together simple ingredients—soy sauce, a touch of sweetness, garlic, and green onions—for a stir-fry that feels like your favorite takeout, but is faster and fresher. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving something saucy and savory without a lot of effort, this Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions is a go-to skillet dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Weeknight-Friendly – Cooks in minutes once everything is prepped.
Tender, Flavorful Beef – Thin slices marinate briefly for maximum flavor.
Simple Pantry Sauce – Soy, garlic, and a touch of sweetness for a glossy, savory finish.
Better Than Takeout – Fresher ingredients, easy to customize, and no delivery needed.

Ingredients

For the Beef Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 4–5 scallions (green onions), cut into 1–2 inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
• 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For the Beef Marinade:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• ½ tsp sugar

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tbsp water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1–1½ tbsp brown sugar or honey (to taste)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Pinch of black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Sesame seeds
• Extra sliced scallions

Instructions

Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, water, sesame oil (if using), and sugar.
Add the thinly sliced beef and toss until evenly coated.
Let marinate for at least 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), water/broth, brown sugar or honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar or lemon juice (if using), and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Prep the Scallions and Aromatics
Cut scallions into 1–2 inch pieces, separating the white/light green parts from the dark green tops.
Mince garlic and ginger (if using) and keep them together in a small bowl.

Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat until hot and shimmering.
Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid crowding).
Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until browned and mostly cooked through.
Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics and Scallions
Add another 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet if needed.
Add garlic, ginger, and the white/light green parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add the Sauce and Beef Back In
Give the stir-fry sauce a quick stir (cornstarch can settle).
Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it bubble for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until it begins to thicken and turn glossy.
Return the beef and any juices to the pan. Toss to coat in the sauce.

Finish with Scallion Greens
Add the dark green scallion tops and toss everything together.
Cook another 1–2 minutes, just until the scallions are bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
Taste and adjust with a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if desired.

Serve
Serve the stir-fried beef and scallions over steamed rice or noodles.
Garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds if you like.
Enjoy hot.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 of 4, without rice)

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

Slice the Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain into thin strips keeps the beef tender.
High Heat is Key – Use a hot pan to get a good sear and avoid steaming the beef.
Don’t Overcook – Stir-fry quickly; overcooked beef turns tough and chewy.
Have Everything Ready – Stir-fries move fast, so prep all ingredients before turning on the heat.

Why This Recipe Works

Marinating the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch helps season it and gives it a velvety texture that stays tender when cooked over high heat. The quick-cooking scallions and aromatics add fragrance and crunch, while the simple, glossy sauce ties everything together with savory, slightly sweet flavor.

Because everything cooks quickly in a hot pan, the beef stays juicy, the scallions stay bright, and the sauce clings beautifully to every bite. This Stir-Fried Beef and Scallions is the perfect combination of speed, flavor, and comfort—ideal for nights when you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.