Some nights, I hit the kitchen with zero energy and a growling stomach. That’s when my “lazy dinners” recipe vault comes to the rescue. I remember one Tuesday night, Shaym here from SoolFood, staring blankly into the fridge after a long day of errands and editing food videos. I saw some leftover sliced beef, a lonely bell pepper, and half an onion — and boom — this garlic beef stir fry was born. It’s fast, saucy, and ridiculously flavorful, made for those times you just want to eat without the fuss.
This garlic beef stir fry is my go-to when I want something hot and hearty but don’t want to spend more than 15 minutes in the kitchen. You’ll only need one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and a bit of slicing. Think juicy beef strips seared quickly, tossed in a garlicky soy sauce glaze with crisp-tender veggies — all served over warm rice or noodles. It’s like takeout, but faster and cheaper.
The beauty of lazy dinners like this is they don’t skimp on flavor. Even with minimal ingredients, the garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil combo gives you that umami punch that feels like you tried a lot harder than you did. Want a little extra heat? Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha. Got broccoli, snap peas, or even shredded cabbage? Throw them in — this dish doesn’t judge.
And let’s talk texture — the beef is tender if you slice it thinly against the grain, and you only need a quick high-heat sear. The veggies? Still slightly crisp, not soggy. And the sauce thickens perfectly with just a little cornstarch, making it ideal for spooning over fluffy jasmine rice or folding into noodles.
If this stir fry fits your style, you’ll definitely love our 15-Minute Air fryer Spicy Shrimp and Savory Chicken Cutlets — both are quick wins for anyone riding the lazy dinners vibe. We built these recipes for busy people who love to eat well but don’t always want to cook like they’re auditioning for a show.
So next time you want to crash with a plate of something savory and steamy, give this garlic beef stir fry a go. It hits every note — quick, bold, comforting — and takes less time than watching one episode of your favorite show.
🥢 Quick & Lazy Garlic Beef Stir Fry
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Focus Keyword: lazy dinners
🧄 Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or avocado)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions (optional garnish)
🔪 Instructions
- Coat the beef
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients. - Sear the beef
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Cook the veggies
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender. - Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water. - Combine & finish
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened. - Serve
Spoon over hot jasmine rice or noodles. Top with sesame seeds or scallions if desired.
🔁 Make it Your Own
- Sub in broccoli, green beans, or snap peas if that’s what you’ve got
- Add chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha for heat
- No oyster sauce? Double up on soy sauce and add a dash of rice vinegar