Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce

Name: Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce | Quick & Delicious
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: **For the Sauce**; 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (not dark soy); 3 tbsp honey; 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin); 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or mirin, dry sherry); 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper (or 1/2 tsp ground black pepper); **For the Stir Fry**; 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable/canola); 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1/2 onion, peeled and sliced; 500g / 1 lb thinly sliced steak (tenderloin, flank, sirloin/Porterhouse/strip, etc.)

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The moment the weather flips from breezy to brisk, I start craving warm, glossy stir-fries that hit every note—sweet, salty, savory, peppery. This Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce isn’t just quick and cozy. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a reward after a long day. And the best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce checks every box:

It’s fast—just 15 minutes from prep to plate.
The sauce is sweet, salty, and bold, with just the right amount of peppery heat.
It’s lighter and fresher than takeout but just as satisfying.
It’s easy enough for busy nights and tasty enough for casual company.

Whether you’re feeding your family or just feeding yourself, this dish delivers.

Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce

For the Sauce

This sauce brings the flavor. You’ll need:

2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (regular, not dark)
3 tbsp honey
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin for a slightly sweeter note)
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or mirin/dry sherry)
2 tbsp water
1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper (or 1/2 tsp ground)

If you’re avoiding alcohol, sub the cooking wine and water with low-sodium chicken broth, and reduce the soy sauce to 2 tbsp.

For the Stir Fry

Here’s what you’ll toss in the pan:

2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 onion, sliced thin
1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (tenderloin, flank, sirloin, or similar)

Tip: Use a steak you’d enjoy grilled. And always slice against the grain for tenderness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Set it aside near your stove. This stir fry moves fast, so you’ll want everything ready.

2. Stir Fry the Aromatics

Heat your wok or skillet over high heat until it’s just about smoking. Add the oil, then quickly stir fry the garlic and onion for about 1 minute. The onion should just start to soften.

3. Sear the Beef

Add your sliced beef. Stir fry it for about 1 minute, just until it’s mostly cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside. You’ll add it back in a moment.

Overhead view of beef stir fry with honey pepper sauce and scallions

4. Finish the Sauce and Combine

Lower the heat slightly. Pour the sauce into the hot pan and let it simmer for 1 minute until it thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon and smell deeply savory.

Add the beef and its juices back to the pan. Toss everything together for another minute, until the meat is fully coated and heated through.

Serve immediately. It’s best hot off the stove.

Close-up of beef stir fry with honey pepper sauce simmering in pan

Pro Tips for the Best Beef Stir Fry

Slice beef thin and against the grain. This helps it stay tender.
Use a hot pan. High heat gives you that signature sear without overcooking.
Don’t crowd the pan. If doubling the recipe, stir fry the beef in batches.
Prep everything first. Once you start cooking, it’s fast and furious.
Skip the dark soy sauce. It’s too strong for this balance of flavors.
Try other proteins. This sauce also works with thin-sliced chicken, pork, or turkey.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

You’ve got a bold main dish—now let’s balance it out:

Serve over white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add steamed green beans, julienned carrots, or bok choy.
Want crunch? Try it with a chilled Asian slaw or cucumber salad.

It’s also fantastic next to this savory Chinese beef and broccoli stir-fry, if you’re doing a full spread.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This stir fry is flexible. Here’s how you can switch it up:

Vegetarian? Use mushrooms or tofu instead of beef. Press the tofu well and stir fry it until golden.
Sweeter or spicier? Adjust the honey or pepper to taste.
Swap the oyster sauce for hoisin if that’s what you have on hand.

Want a completely different beef dinner idea? Try creamy tomato beef pasta for quick weeknight dinners or this garlic butter steak and potatoes for a hearty meal.

Beef stir fry with honey pepper sauce served over white rice in a bowl

Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce Recipe Card (Tasty Plugin)

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FAQ

Can you put honey in stir fry sauce?

Yes, absolutely. Honey adds a natural sweetness and helps the sauce become glossy and thick when reduced in the pan.

What is the secret ingredient in stir fry?

Balance. The mix of soy, oyster sauce, and black pepper in this dish brings salt, umami, sweetness, and heat—all working together.

What does honey pepper sauce taste like?

It’s sweet up front with a bold peppery finish. Think savory-sweet with a kick that lingers but never overwhelms.

What sauce goes with beef?

Beef pairs well with sauces that have soy, garlic, pepper, and a bit of acid or sweetness—like this honey pepper sauce or even a garlic hoisin glaze.

Final Thoughts

This beef stir fry is fast, flavorful, and family-approved.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve cooked something special—even on a Tuesday.
You can easily customize it with your favorite sides, swap in different proteins, or keep it just the way it is.

Hungry for more? Follow along on Pinterest or join the community on Facebook for new recipes, tips, and weeknight wins.

Beef Stir Fry with Honey Pepper Sauce | Quick & Delicious

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