South African beef stir-fry with biltong in a wok, served in a bowl

Beef stir fry

south african beef stir fry with biltong

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

03 Oct 2025

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I remember visiting my Gogo (grandmother) in KwaZulu-Natal and being mesmerized by the aromas wafting from her kitchen. She always had a pot simmering, filled with spices I couldn’t even name back then. This stir-fry, while not exactly her recipe (Gogo never measured anything!), is my attempt to capture that warmth and those bold, unapologetically South African flavors. Imagine tender strips of beef, tossed with colorful veggies and that salty-savoury kick of biltong. One of my fondest childhood memories were shaped around food. I hope this recipe helps you to create your own special food memories too!.
Close-up of beef strips being stir-fried in a wok
Biltong, for those not in the know, is like South Africa's answer to beef jerky, but so much better. Air-dried and cured, it’s packed with flavor and adds a wonderful depth to this dish. Don't be tempted to leave it out – it's what really makes this stir-fry sing! But I understand if you're thinking 'where in the world am I gonna find biltong?' Don't worry. If you really can't find biltong, you can try using beef jerky as a substitute. The texture is a little different, but it'll still give you that salty, meaty flavour we're after.
Close-up of sliced biltong

Required Equipments

  • Wok or Large Frying Pan
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

South African Beef Stir Fry with Biltong: Frequently Asked Questions

South African Beef Stir Fry with Biltong

Experience South Africa's vibrant flavors with this beef stir-fry, featuring tender beef strips, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of savory biltong. Quick, easy, and bursting with unique taste!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Get prepped: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Marinate the beef with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 15 minutes – or even better, for an hour in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Slice the bell peppers, onions, and carrots into evenly sized pieces. The more uniform the size, the more even the cooking.
  2. Heat it up: Heat peanut oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. The pan should be screaming hot – this is key for a good stir-fry. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed to maintain high heat.
  3. Veggies in: Add the sliced vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. We want them to have a little bite still, not be completely soft and mushy. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a little more oil.
  4. Sauce it up: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and cornstarch. This creates a lovely glossy sauce that coats everything beautifully. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir-fry until the sauce thickens. This should only take a minute or two.
  5. Biltong Time: Stir in the biltong just before serving. You want it to warm through but not get soggy. It's all about retaining that beautiful texture and flavour.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
  • If you can't find rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well too. Just use a little less.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Food is our common ground, a universal experience. Let's explore the flavors of South Africa together.

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