Can I Use Stew Beef for Stir Fry? The Complete Guide

Stew beef and stir fry may seem like very different cooking methods at first glance. But with the right techniques cuts of stew beef can absolutely be used to make delicious, tender stir fries. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using stew beef for stir fry, from choosing the right cut to cooking methods and recipe ideas.

What is Stew Beef?

Stew beef refers to cuts of beef that come from the chuck, round, and brisket areas of the cow. These areas contain a lot of collagen, which breaks down into gelatin and makes the meat well-suited for braises, stews, and other moist, slow cooking methods. Popular stew beef cuts include:

• Chuck roast
• Bottom round roast
• Brisket
• Chuck shoulder steak
• Chuck arm steak

These cuts are often sold pre-cut into 1-inch cubes or smaller, which is why you’ll frequently see “stew meat” sold in packages labeled as such The connective tissues in these cuts take time to break down and tenderize If cooked incorrectly at high temperatures, stew beef can become tough and chewy.

Key Differences Between Stew Beef and Typical Stir Fry Cuts

Typical stir fry cuts come from the loin and flank areas such as

• Flank steak
• Skirt steak
• Sirloin steak
• Filet mignon

These cuts contain less connective tissue and are naturally more tender. They can be sliced thinly across the grain and cooked quickly over high heat. When comparing typical stir fry cuts to stew beef:

• Tenderness: Stir fry cuts are more naturally tender with less connective tissue. Stew beef requires methods like marinating to help tenderize.

• Cooking method: Stir fry cuts can be cooked quickly over high heat. Stew beef needs slower cooking to break down connective tissues.

• Price: Stew beef is often more budget-friendly compared to premium stir fry cuts.

• Flavor: Stew beef has deeper, more robust beefy flavor compared to milder stir fry cuts.

So while they have some key differences, with the right preparation and cooking techniques, stew beef can absolutely be used for stir fry with delicious results!

Tips for Using Stew Beef in Stir Fry

Here are some top tips to ensure your stew beef stir fry comes out tender and full of flavor:

• Choose the right stew beef cuts: Look for chuck arm or shoulder steaks, or chuck roast. Avoid pre-cut “stew meat” which is often irregularly sized.

• Slice it thin: Cut across the grain into thin 2-3 inch long strips, about 1⁄4 inch thick. This promotes even, quick cooking.

• Marinate it: Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will tenderize and add flavor. Use soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, etc.

• Cook quickly over high heat: Make sure to stir fry over the highest heat possible. Cook the beef in batches to avoid crowding the pan.

• Complement with aromatics: Sauté aromatics like garlic and ginger first to add flavor.

• Add vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots etc. near the end to cook briefly.

• Use a flavorful sauce: Toss everything with a sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce etc.

Follow these tips and your stew beef stir fry will come out perfectly tender and full of flavor every time!

Best Marinades for Stew Beef Stir Fry

A marinade is essential for ensuring stew beef comes out tender and flavorful. Some excellent marinade options include:

Classic Asian Marinade

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Spicy Sriracha Marinade

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp sriracha
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic

Sweet and Savory Marinade

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice

Be sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best results. The acids in ingredients like vinegar will help tenderize, while the flavor compounds penetrate into the meat.

Quick and Easy Stew Beef Stir Fry Recipes

Here are two quick and easy recipe ideas for putting stew beef to delicious use in stir fries:

15 Minute Stew Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb chuck arm steak, sliced thin
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Toss beef with soy sauce and garlic. Marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Cook beef in batches until no longer pink.
3. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Cook stirring frequently 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Sweet & Spicy Stew Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb chuck shoulder steak, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 Tbsp sriracha
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate beef for 30 minutes in hoisin and sriracha.
2. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Cook beef in batches until browned.
3. Add onion and carrots. Cook 2-3 minutes until tender.
4. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.

The Health Benefits of Stew Beef

While stir fry is a quick, healthy cooking method, using stew beef offers some additional health benefits:

• High in protein: Beef is an excellent source of high quality protein needed for building and repairing muscles.

• Iron: Stew beef is high in heme iron, the most easily absorbed form. This is especially important for preventing anemia.

• Zinc: Beef provides this important mineral for immune function and metabolism.

• B Vitamins: B vitamins like B12 and B6 help with energy and nerve function. Beef is one of the best sources.

So you can feel good about adding more stew beef into your diet via stir fries and other dishes! Moderation and vegetable pairings are key for balanced nutrition.

Other Uses for Stew Beef Beyond Stir Fry

If stir fry isn’t your thing, keep in mind that stew beef has many other great uses beyond stews and braises too, like:

• Fajitas
• Kebabs or skewers
• Beef and vegetable soup
• Enchiladas
• Tacos
• Chili
• Pasta Bolognese sauce
• Flatbread or pizza topping

With clever use of different cooking methods and marinades, stew beef can be adapted to all sorts of recipes for maximum enjoyment of