Honey Lemon Glazed Beef Stir-Fry
The Honey Lemon Glazed Beef Stir-Fry is a vibrant, zesty dish that brings together tender slices of beef with a sweet and tangy honey-lemon glaze. This stir-fry is a perfect balance of bold flavors—savory from soy sauce, bright citrus notes from fresh lemon juice, and a subtle sweetness from honey. Combined with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, it’s a quick, wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying dish.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Margination Time (optional): 20–30 minutes (for enhanced flavor)
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Assembly Time: 3–5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
One pound steak thinly sliced
One tablespoon cornstarch
One tablespoon olive oil
One cup broccoli
One cup bell peppers sliced
Two cloves garlic minced
For the Glaze
One quarter cup honey
One tablespoon soy sauce
One teaspoon lemon zest
One tablespoon lemon juice
One half teaspoon ginger grated
One quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For Garnish
One tablespoon sesame seeds
Two tablespoons green onions chopped
Optional Add-Ins
Sesame oil black pepper
Directions
Coat steak with cornstarch and set aside.
Sauté broccoli, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil for three minutes then remove from pan.
Sear beef until browned on both sides.
Whisk honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, lemon juice, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl then pour over beef.
Add vegetables back, toss, and garnish before serving.
Tips & Tricks:
Choose the Right Cut of Beef:
Use tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Quick Marination:
A short marination (20–30 minutes) with soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and baking soda can help tenderize the beef quickly.
High Heat is Key:
Stir-fry over high heat to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices while keeping it tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Control the Glaze:
Add the honey-lemon glaze towards the end of cooking to avoid burning the sugars. A quick toss is enough to coat the beef beautifully.
Crisp Vegetables:
Stir-fry vegetables separately to maintain their vibrant color and crunch, then combine with the beef just before serving.
Brighten with Fresh Lemon:
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the citrus flavor without overpowering the dish.
Add Some Heat:
If you like a spicy kick, throw in some red pepper flakes, sliced chili, or a dash of sriracha.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 400–450 kcal
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Sugars: 10–12 g (from honey and veggies)
Fat: 18–20 g
Saturated Fat: 4–5 g
Cholesterol: 70–80 mg
Sodium: 800–1000 mg (depending on soy sauce)