Beef stir fry with vegetables is a classic Chinese dish that brings together tender strips of beef and a colorful medley of crisp veggies, all tossed in a savory, umami-packed sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
The beauty of a stir fry lies in its simplicity and versatility—you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Plus, the high heat cooking method locks in flavors and nutrients, delivering a dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
If you crave authentic Chinese flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this beef stir fry recipe is your go-to. With step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ready to dive into this vibrant, satisfying dish? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef stir fry with vegetables recipe is a fantastic blend of flavors, textures, and colors that will brighten up your dinner table. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Healthy and balanced: Lean beef and fresh vegetables provide protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Customizable: Swap or add vegetables based on what you have at hand or prefer.
- Authentic Chinese taste: The sauce combines soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for that signature flavor.
- Great for meal prep: Makes excellent leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir frying)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 100g (3.5oz) snap peas, trimmed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, chopped for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, to serve
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet – essential for high-heat stir frying
- Sharp knife – for slicing beef and vegetables thinly
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl – for marinating the beef
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors.
- Prep the vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the bell peppers and onion thinly. Julienne the carrot and trim the snap peas. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the spring onions for garnish.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, carrot, and snap peas: Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp and vibrant.
- Return beef to the wok: Add the beef back into the wok with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra splash of soy sauce if needed.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately: Serve your beef stir fry hot over steamed jasmine rice or toss with noodles for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients. This helps achieve that perfect sear and keeps vegetables crisp.
- Beef cut: Sirloin, flank, or ribeye are great options. Slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
- Vegetable swaps: Try broccoli, baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy for variety.
- Sauce tweak: Add a teaspoon of chili paste or fresh chopped chili for a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh. For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Total Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef stir fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you prefer noodles, try tossing the stir fry with lo mein or rice noodles for a different texture.
Add a side of steamed dumplings or hot and sour soup to create a full Chinese-inspired feast. For lighter sides, a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables provide refreshing contrasts.
For more delicious vegetable-packed dishes, explore our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or indulge your sweet tooth later with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
Beef stir fry with vegetables is a fantastic recipe that balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish can quickly become a family favorite.
The best part? It’s highly versatile, letting you swap ingredients based on what’s fresh or what you have in your pantry.
Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with authentic Chinese flavors, this recipe delivers. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or spice levels to make it your own.
And if you love exploring new recipes, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a perfect homemade bread to accompany your meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of this delightful beef stir fry!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables – Chinese Style
Description: A quick and flavorful beef stir fry with crisp vegetables and a savory Chinese sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.
- Add beef slices and stir fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove beef and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the wok and stir fry for 30 seconds.
- Add bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas; stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Return beef to the wok and stir to combine.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil; mix well.
- Pour in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 15 g
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