Basic Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Made Easy

If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, a basic beef and vegetable stir fry is your answer. This classic dish combines tender strips of beef with a colorful variety of fresh vegetables, all cooked in a savory sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook looking for a simple weeknight dinner, or someone eager to add more veggies to your diet, this stir fry recipe fits the bill perfectly. The best part?

It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it both convenient and satisfying.

With its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and balanced nutrition, this stir fry is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ready to master a stir fry that’s packed with flavor and health benefits? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and vegetable stir fry is a perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and convenience. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious and balanced: Combines protein-rich beef with fiber-packed vegetables.
• Customizable: Use any veggies you love or have in your fridge.
• Flavorful: The savory sauce elevates every bite, making it a family favorite.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup required, just your skillet or wok.

Ingredients

• 300g beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 100g snap peas, trimmed
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, to serve

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife for slicing beef and vegetables
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl for marinating beef
• Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons
• Grater or microplane for ginger

Instructions

1. Marinate the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Toss well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the beef marinates, wash and slice the carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, and spring onions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
3. Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Allow it to get hot but not smoking.
4. Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.
5. Stir-fry the aromatics: In the same wok, add the garlic and ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
6. Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrot, broccoli, and snap peas first. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
7. Add bell pepper and spring onions: Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes. The vegetables should be vibrant and tender-crisp.
8. Return beef to wok: Add the beef back into the wok along with the oyster sauce, remaining soy sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
9. Finish cooking: Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite noodles.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, make sure your wok is very hot before adding the beef and vegetables — this helps to sear the meat and keep the veggies crisp.

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to swap in zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy based on what’s fresh or available.
• Protein alternatives: Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef for different variations.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce to keep it gluten-free.
• Make it vegan: Skip the beef and oyster sauce, and replace with extra firm tofu and a mushroom-based stir fry sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef and vegetable stir fry pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice. For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside rice noodles.

To complement the meal, consider serving a light Asian-inspired salad or a bowl of miso soup. You might also enjoy pairing it with easy vegetable sides like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or a fresh dipping sauce like a spicy peanut dressing.

Conclusion

Mastering this basic beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a fantastic way to add a flavorful, nutritious, and quick meal to your weekly rotation. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it satisfies both the palate and the body.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method make it ideal for cooks of all skill levels, and the flexibility means you can tailor it to your tastes or whatever ingredients you have at home.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this stir fry is sure to become a go-to favorite. For more delicious meal ideas, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to accompany your dinners.

Enjoy your cooking journey!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Basic Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and easy stir fry with tender beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced”, “2 tbsp vegetable oil”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1 small onion, sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp oyster sauce”, “1 tsp cornstarch”, “1/4 cup beef broth or water”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix beef with cornstarch and a pinch of salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook beef until browned. Remove and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add remaining oil and saut\u00e9 garlic and onion until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot; stir fry for 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return beef to the pan and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender-crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “30 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}