Stir Fry Steak Marinade

The trick to having delicious meat? Marinade! I learned from my mom that she pretty much marinades most meat she stir fries with prior to cooking, even if it's just 15 minutes. It really does flavor the food, this Stir Fry Steak Marinade is one of the ones we use!

Jump to:

• About the Ingredients
• How to Marinade Steak for Stir Fry
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Stir Fry Steak Marinade Recipe
• More Marinade Recipes to Try!
• Pin for later!

About the Ingredients

Here are some extra info and tips about some of the ingredients:

Thick Soy Sauce

I do not use regular soy sauce for this recipe. I use Thick Soy Sauce, aka Soy Paste. (There's actually many different types of soy sauce!)

Thick soy sauce is a lot thicker than your normal soy sauce. It has a richer, sweeter flavor, which is perfect for this dish.

You should be able to find it in your local Asian supermarket or online.

If you can't find any thick soy sauce, you can substitute with regular soy sauce. If you do this route, here's a couple of recommendations:

• Add some sort of sweetener. Since Thick soy sauce is more sweet, you are now missing a flavor, so I would recommend adding a bit of sugar or sweetener of your choice.
• Thicken it. Since Thick soy sauce is, well duh, more thick, you may want to add something to thicken the sauce. To do this, you can mix cornstarch and water in a separate bowl to create a thickener, and then adding it to the dish prior to adding the basil.

Or even more simple - Oyster sauce can often be used as a substitute because it is similar in texture and it is also salty and sweet at the same time. The flavor won't be exactly the same but it will also be delicious!

Beef

I recommend using sirloin, ribeye, or flank for stir frying. They come out a lot more tender than some of the other cuts.

You can cut the beef in different ways including cutting in to strips, cutting in to cubes, and then cutting in to slices.

We will be marinating it with a few ingredients that help tenderize the meat. You can marinade for up to overnight but even just 15 minutes will make a difference!

How to Marinade Steak for Stir Fry

First, gather the ingredients:

• 1 pound beef, sliced or cubed
• ¼ onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon thick soy sauce aka soy paste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 green onion, chopped (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or zip lock bag. If you are about to cook it, let it marinade at the very least 15-30 minutes. If you are making this ahead, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before cooking.

In a large nonstick skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and stir fry for about 1-2 minutes.

Then, add the beef and stir fry until browned and to the doneness you prefer. Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and serve!

Storage & Reheat

How to Store Cooked Stir Fry Steak

Let the steak cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze Stir Fry Steak?

Yes - but for best texture, freeze it right after cooking. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Way to Reheat Stir Fry Steak

• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I Marinate Beef Overnight?

Yes! The flavors will be stronger, and the meat will be extra tender. Just keep it in the fridge while marinating.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Definitely - flank, sirloin, and ribeye are my favorites, but you can use skirt steak or even tenderloin. Just avoid very tough cuts unless you marinate longer.

Can I Make This Without Thick Soy Sauce?

Yes. You can sub regular soy sauce with a little sugar and cornstarch, or even oyster sauce for a similar salty-sweet flavor.

Can I Cook the Beef Ahead of Time?

You can, but stir fry is best fresh. If making ahead, slightly undercook the beef, then finish cooking when reheating to avoid it getting tough.

More Marinade Recipes to Try!

If you liked this beef stir fry marinade, here are more flavorful marinades to check out next:

• Beef Stir Fry Marinade - A simple, all-purpose marinade for thinly sliced or strip-cut beef - tender, juicy, and full of umami flavor.
• Chicken Stir Fry Marinade - The classic Chinese-style chicken marinade that keeps your stir fry juicy and flavorful.
• Hibachi Steak Marinade - Sweet, savory, and smoky - just like your favorite Japanese steakhouse flavors!
• Soy Garlic Steak Marinade for Grilling - Simple and delicious with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of citrus - great for pan-seared or grilled steak.

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