This marinated top-round stir fry delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The marinade creates tender, juicy bites, and the quick cooking time makes it perfect for easy meal prep. It's a simple delicious dish you'll enjoy.
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What is Top Round?
The top round is a lean cut of beef that comes from the back leg of the steer. It's a great choice if you're looking for a lower priced meat option that tastes great.
This cut works best when marinated and cooked quickly. It has a firm texture and a big beefy flavor.
I picked up this meat at Publix in Key Largo. It comes pre-sliced and costs $9.99/ pound. Given the price of ribeye steaks today, it is a lower priced option. The meat is tender.
If you can only find a whole piece of top round, slice it against the grain into 1-inch strips.
I have added this recipe to my Budget-Friendly Meat Recipes post, where you can find all of my low-cost meat recipes. Hopefully, the prices of all groceries will come down in the coming year.
Substitutes for Top Round
Flank Steak: Works well in stir-fries, fajitas, or grilled dishes.
Sirloin Tip: Another lean cut, slightly more tender than top round.
Eye Round: Very similar to top round in texture and flavor.
Skirt Steak: Slightly fattier and more tender, it's perfect for quick-cooking like grilling or stir-frying.
Boneless Chuck Steak or Shoulder Steak: A more marbled option, great for marinating.
Ribeye Steak: Due to its higher fat content, rib steaks are very tasty and make excellent stir fries!
If you shop at Whole Foods Market, or Sprouts, or Milam's Market, or another natural foods grocery store, try to get grass-fed beef for maximum nutrition.
Easy Beef Marinade For Stir Fry
The top round marinade is a mix of citrus juice, soy sauce, and a little sweetness from honey or brown sugar. With garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs, it makes the beef tender and full of flavor. This simple marinade is what makes the stir fry so sweet and delicious!
- Top round beef strips
- Orange juice or pineapple juice
- Juice of 2 limes (or 1 lemon)
- Soy sauce (or 4 tablespoon coconut aminos)
- Honey or brown sugar
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Tips for Success
- Cutting the Beef: Slice the top round beef into thin strips against the grain. This reduces the chewiness of the lean meat.
- Marinate: If you have the time, marinate the meat overnight-the acid in the orange juice works wonders to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
- Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet if you're cooking double recipes. Cook the beef in two batches for even browning and prevent steaming.
- Meal Prep: The marinade can be prepared a day in advance, and the beef can marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Combine orange or pineapple juice, lime juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, parsley or cilantro, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl to make the marinade.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well blended. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the meat in a zip-top plastic bag or a non-reactive dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, seal the bag, or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet, heavy-bottomed sauté pan, or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil.
- Add the meat in a single layer, season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Remove the meat from the pan and let it rest for 3-4 minutes.
- Plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stir fry hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or egg noodles. Pair it with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or lemon wedges.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftover top sirloin, stir fry it, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated. Consume within a day or two for best results.
Takeaway
This top round stir fry is an easy, affordable dinner that comes together fast. The beef is marinated briefly to add flavor and help tenderize the meat, then cooked quickly in a hot skillet until just done.
Serve it over rice or quinoa, or alongside simple vegetables for a complete meal that doesn't cost much.
If you like this recipe, try Beef Stir Fry With Peppers and Onions. For more simple steak dinners like this one, visit Easy Steak Recipes for Dinner.
Top Round Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound top round beef strips
- ¼ cup orange juice or pineapple juice
- Juice of 2 limes or 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce, GF tamari, or 4 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- Salt and black pepper
- Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Combine orange or pineapple juice, lime juice, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, ginger, parsley or cilantro, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl to make the marinade.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves and all ingredients are well blended. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the meat in a zip-top plastic bag or a non-reactive dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, seal the bag, or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed sauté pan or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of oil.
- Add the meat in a single layer, season with salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Remove the meat from the pan and let it rest for 3-4 minutes.
- Plate and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Jodi says
Making this tonight!
Jenn says
This is a great recipe!