The Best Steaks for Stir Fry

Are you a fan of stir-fried dishes bursting with flavor and sizzling with goodness?

If so, then you’re in for a treat! In this post, we’ll explore some of the best steaks to use in stir-fry recipes.

Each of these cuts brings its own unique qualities to the table, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

What is the best steak for stir fry?

Depending on who you talk to or what part of the country you are from, you will probably get a different answer for what is the best steak.

The two that stand out the most are skirt steak and flank steak. While those are both excellent options, we are going to cover what we think are the five best steaks out there to make any stir fry delicious.

And if you are not a beef steak person, don’t worry; scroll down and find our favorite alternatives below!

#1 Flank steak

A relatively thin-cut steak with robust flavor and a slightly chewy texture makes the flank steak an excellent option for stir-fry. You will find it greatly benefits from a marinade to enhance its tenderness and juiciness.

Slice it thin and across the grain, and you will have yourself a tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak to add to your next stir fry dish.

#2 Skirt steak

A tender texture and rich, beefy flavor is the best way to describe this skirt steak. It is popular in both fajita recipes and stir-fries.

Either marinade it or use your favorite dry rub; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s not overcooked; this cut of steak is actually quite tender.

It is thinner than the flank steak and, as a result, cooks quickly, making it perfect for high-heat cooking methods.

#3 Round steak

Round steak is a lean cut of beef that is perfect for stir fry. It is a tougher cut of meat, so it will be beneficial to tenderize it before cooking. You can tenderize round steak with a meat mallet or a tenderizing marinade.

We love this Beef and broccoli stir fry made using round steak.

#4 Flat iron steak

Known for its exceptional tenderness and rich, beefy flavor, flat iron steak is an excellent meat for stir fry.

This juicy and flavorful steak cooks quickly, making it ideal for stir-frying, and it can be sliced thinly to maximize its tenderness.

#5 Strip Steak/New York Strip

If you’re looking for a tender and juicy cut of beef, strip steak is the way to go. However, it’s also the priciest option on the menu, so it may not be the most practical choice for an everyday dinner.

That being said, if you’re feeling fancy or want to add some extra flavor to your stir fry, strip steak is definitely worth considering.

Choosing your favorite stir fry steak

Now that we have a basic understanding of these fantastic steak options, it’s time to fire up the stove and get cooking!

Whether you prefer the flavor of flank steak, the versatility of skirt steak, the price of round steak, or the tenderness of flat iron steak, each cut promises a sensational stir-fry experience.

Pro-tip, slice stir fry steak thinly and against the grain for the best results.

Additionally, marinating the meat, even for a short period, will add extra flavor and juiciness to the final dish. Don’t forget to pair your steak with a medley of colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and mouthwatering sauces for a complete stir-fry masterpiece!

So, next time you’re craving an irresistible stir-fry, grab one of these marvelous steaks and let your culinary skills shine.

Steak Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of beef or want to try something different, there are plenty of other meats that work well in stir-fry dishes. Here are a few alternatives to beef that you can try:

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a great option for those who want a leaner protein source. They cook quickly and are easy to slice into thin strips.

Just make sure to cook them thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. Chicken tenders work well with a variety of seasonings and can be paired with any vegetables you like.

Pork Loin

Pork loin is another lean meat that works well in stir-fry dishes. It has a slightly sweeter flavor than beef and can be seasoned with a variety of spices to complement your sauce.

Be sure to slice the pork into thin strips for maximum tenderness. Pork loin pairs well with vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.

Venison Steak

If you’re looking for a unique protein source, venison steak is a great option. It is leaner than beef, so it’s important not to overcook it. Sliced thin and against the grain, venison steak is an excellent choice for fajitas and stir fries alike.

Beef Liver

Sure, I know what you are thinking, liver? Really? Liver is actually perfect for stir fry. It adds great flavor and is loaded with nutritional benefits.

So the next time you purchase a side of beef, don’t throw it out and cook it up tonight!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have chosen the perfect cut of steak for your stir fry, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are just a few ideas to make your stir fry a delicious and satisfying meal:

• Rice: A classic pairing for stir fry is rice. You can use any type of rice you like: white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. Cook it according to the package instructions and serve it alongside your stir fry.
• Noodles: Another option is to serve your stir fry over noodles. You can use udon, soba, or rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, drain them, and then toss them with a little bit of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
• Vegetables: This really isn’t an option. You have to have vegetables to flavor your stir fry. You can steam, sauté, or roast them. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas are all great choices.
• Garnishes: To add a pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing your stir fry with chopped green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts.
• Sauces: Finally, don’t forget about the sauces! A simple soy sauce and garlic sauce are always a crowd-pleaser, but you can also experiment with other flavors like sweet and sour, teriyaki, or hoisin.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry? While personal preference plays a role, the best cut of beef for stir-fry is widely agreed upon as flank steak. It is a long and flat cut that is not too thick and cooks quickly.

It is also relatively cheap when compared to other steak cuts, making it great for cooking on a budget.

Can I use stew meat for stir-fry? While you can use stew meat for stir-fry, I would not recommend it. Stew meat comes with a lot of connective tissue that will require a much longer cook time to become tender.

What’s an easy marinade for stir-fry beef strips? A quick marinade can be easily thrown together with a few simple ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and garlic. Simply mix the ingredients together and marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Key takeaways

Always cook the ingredients quickly over high heat to achieve that perfect sear.

And with the right cut of steak and some creative serving suggestions, you can create a stir fry that is both delicious and satisfying.

There are plenty of stir fry steak options as well as beef alternatives, that pair perfectly with your favorite vegetables and sauces for a delicious and healthy meal.

Is your favorite steak for stir fry on this list? If not, let me know what it is in the comments below!