Recipes for Stir Fry Beef and Vegetables Made Easy

Stir fry beef and vegetables is a classic, versatile dish cherished by food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a nutritious lunch, this recipe offers a perfect balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce.

The high heat and fast cooking method preserve the vibrant colors and textures of the veggies, while the beef adds hearty protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of vegetables without sacrificing flavor.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious and colorful dish in under 30 minutes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why this recipe is a must-try, list the essential ingredients and equipment, guide you through detailed instructions, and share tips to customize your stir fry. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will become a reliable favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stir fry beef and vegetables is loved for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for busy schedules.

The combination of beef and fresh vegetables provides a balanced meal packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Another reason is its flexibility. You can adjust the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.

Plus, the sauce can be tailored to your taste — from sweet and tangy to spicy and bold.

Finally, stir fries are a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without complicated cooking techniques. You’ll enjoy the

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (like canola or peanut oil)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chili for heat
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (for stir fry sauce)

Equipment

• Large wok or large non-stick skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife (for slicing beef and vegetables)
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls (for marinating beef and prepping vegetables)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stir frying)
• Serving dish or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss well to coat. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the beef and create a silky coating when cooked.
2. Prep the vegetables: While the beef marinates, wash and slice all the vegetables as directed. Keep them ready for quick cooking since stir fry is a fast process.
3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), beef broth (or water), garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Set aside.
4. Heat the wok/skillet: Place your wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it get hot but not smoking. High heat is crucial for a good stir fry.
5. Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
6. Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the onion, carrots, and broccoli first — these take longer to cook. Stir fry for about 3 minutes, then add the bell peppers. Continue to stir fry for another 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
7. Combine and finish: Return the beef to the wok, pour in the prepared sauce, and toss everything together. Stir fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, slice your beef thinly against the grain — this keeps it tender and easy to chew.

Don’t overcrowd the pan — if necessary, cook the beef and vegetables in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to use snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini instead of bell peppers and broccoli.
• Make it spicy: Add fresh chopped chili, chili paste, or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Swap beef for chicken or tofu: Use the same marinade and cooking method for chicken breast or firm tofu for a different protein option.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check oyster sauce labels for gluten content.
• More sauce options: Try adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a dash of sesame oil for extra depth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice. For a low-carb version, serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor. A side of Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or a light Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating can round out your meal perfectly.

If you want a full Asian-inspired dinner, pair this stir fry with some Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for your next gathering.

Conclusion

Stir fry beef and vegetables is a delicious, quick, and healthy meal that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a flavorful dish bursting with texture and nutrients.

The flexibility of this recipe means you can customize it endlessly to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

By mastering this recipe, you’ll have a go-to meal that impresses family and friends alike. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a colorful variety of vegetables in one satisfying dish.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces and vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Stir Fry Beef and Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful stir fry combining tender beef with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tbsp oyster sauce”, “1 tbsp vegetable oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tsp ginger, minced”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1/2 cup snap peas”, “2 green onions, chopped”, “1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Marinate beef in soy sauce and oyster sauce for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add beef and stir fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add vegetables and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in green onions and remove from heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “30 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}