Stir fry beef and vegetables is a classic, quick, and delicious meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend feasts. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility – tender strips of beef seared to perfection combined with vibrant, crisp vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that brings everything together.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this stir fry recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
With just a few fresh ingredients and a hot wok or skillet, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options, making it a go-to recipe for satisfying cravings and nourishing your body.
Ready to master the art of the perfect stir fry? Let’s dive into this flavorful, colorful, and wholesome beef and vegetable stir fry recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Speed and simplicity: This stir fry takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Nutritious and balanced: It combines protein-packed beef with a variety of colorful vegetables, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Customizable: You can swap veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in the same pan or wok.
Plus, it’s just downright delicious!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional; use mushroom sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife for slicing beef and vegetables
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Prep the beef and vegetables. Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain – this helps tenderize it. Prepare all your vegetables by washing and slicing them as directed above. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Make the stir fry sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Heat the wok or skillet. Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the beef strips in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook beef in batches if needed.
- Cook the beef. Stir fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Stir fry the vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the carrot, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine beef and sauce. Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the stir fry sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly.
- Thicken the sauce. Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine and pour it into the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and garnish. Add the sliced bell pepper and green onions, stirring just to combine and warm through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately. This stir fry is best enjoyed hot, right from the wok, over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Marinate the beef for 15 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, a teaspoon of cornstarch, and a splash of rice wine to make it even more tender and flavorful.
Variation: Try swapping beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different protein twist. Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn.
Pro Tip: Use a hot wok and cook in small batches to get that authentic stir fry “wok hei” flavor – a slight char that enhances taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 15 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 850 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This beef and vegetable stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but you can also serve it over noodles such as rice noodles, lo mein, or soba for a satisfying twist.
For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own for a filling, protein-rich meal. Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Don’t forget to check out our other delicious vegetable-forward meals like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or sweet treats such as Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out your menu.
Conclusion
Stir fry beef and vegetables is a versatile and nourishing dish that you can easily adapt to suit your tastes and pantry ingredients. It’s perfect when you want a quick, home-cooked meal packed with flavor and nutrients without the hassle of elaborate preparation.
The combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce creates a delightful harmony that makes every bite enjoyable.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Remember, the key to a great stir fry is high heat, fresh ingredients, and a well-balanced sauce.
If you’re interested in exploring more healthy and tasty meals, consider trying our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for convenient, flavorful options.
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious stir fry experience!
📖 Recipe Card: Stir Fry Beef and Vegetables
Description: A quick and flavorful stir fry combining tender beef with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate beef with soy sauce and oyster sauce for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, onion, and snap peas; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 15 g
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