Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

There’s something magical about cooking a stir fry, isn’t there? It’s as if you’re whisked away to a bustling market in Asia, the fragrance of garlic and ginger wrapping around you like a warm hug. I remember the first time I tried my hand at it; I was in college, trying to impress my friends with something homemade rather than the usual takeout. I was nervous, but as soon as that beef hit the hot skillet, the sizzle sent a jolt of confidence through me. Today, I want to share my beloved Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables recipe—a weeknight favorite that’s quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why make the same old boring dinner when you can whip up a masterpiece in mere minutes? This Beef Stir Fry is not just any dish; it’s a vibrant canvas where juicy beef meets a medley of fresh veggies, all tied together by a savory sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to drink it! Imagine the crunch of snap peas, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the earthy flavor of broccoli all dancing together in your mouth.

And the best part? It’s flexible. If you’re looking to work in some extra nutrients or use up whatever’s in your fridge, toss in your favorites! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—which, as a home chef, is a major win. Cooking this dish tonight means you’re just a few steps away from a healthy, satisfying meal that delights every palate at the table. Trust me, your taste buds will sing!

Key ingredients overview

Let’s talk about what you need to bring this dish to life. Here’s the rundown:

• Beef (1 pound, flank or sirloin): Choose your cut wisely. Flank is lean with great flavor, while sirloin is a tad pricier but wonderfully tender. Slice it thinly against the grain; that’s where the magic happens for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Mixed Vegetables (2 cups): Go for color! I love using bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. They add not just a crunch but also a rainbow of nutrients. Feel free to mix it up; carrots, zucchini, or even baby corn can work beautifully!

• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): This is your umami magic. A good quality soy sauce enhances the flavors and brings depth. Low-sodium options are great if you’re watching your salt intake.

• Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon): It’s that hidden gem in the fridge! This sauce brings a slightly sweet and rich flavor that sets your stir fry apart. Don’t skip it!

• Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This is your thickening agent. It keeps the sauce clingy and luscious, making every bite a delight.

• Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon): High smoke points are key here, so go for vegetable, canola, or even peanut oil. You want your skillet hot and ready!

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) and Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): These guys are the dynamic duo of flavor. They’ll add a punch that’s hard to forget.

• Salt and Pepper to taste: Simple, but don’t underestimate their power. They round out the flavors beautifully.

Preparing Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Now, let’s get this party started! Here’s a step-by-step guide that’s so easy, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it hang out for about 15 minutes. This step infuses all that flavor!

2. Heat it Up: Grab a large skillet or wok and heat that vegetable oil over high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when the beef hits.

3. Aromatics in Action: Add your minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but keep an eye on it—burnt garlic is not the vibe we’re going for!

4. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Keep it moving so it cooks evenly.

5. Add the Veggies: Toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they’re bright and tender-crisp. You want them vibrant and still with a bit of bite!

6. Season to Perfection: Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. A quick toss to blend it all together, and you’re golden!

7. Serve it Up: Dish it out hot over a bed of fluffy rice or those delightful noodles you love. Enjoy every bite while it’s still steaming!

Best way to enjoy it

You know what makes Beef Stir Fry even more exciting? What you serve it with! A bowl of steamy rice beats the usual takeout any day, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try it over some stir-fried noodles or even quinoa for a zing of nuttiness.

Consider pairing it with sides like spring rolls or edamame for a full spread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Want to elevate it? A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top adds not just a pop of color but that gourmet flair!

Storage and reheating tips

So, what if you’ve got some leftovers? Lucky you! Stir fry stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, or pop it in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

If you’re thinking ahead, you can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the veggies may lose a bit of their crunch. Just remember to separate the rice or noodles if you decide to freeze those too; they don’t thaw as nicely.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are some of my insider tips to elevate this dish:

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and marinate your beef in advance for a quicker cook time when dinner strikes. Trust me, weeknights will suddenly feel much less daunting!

• Be Wok-ing with Fire: Keep your heat high and don’t crowd the pan! Crowding leads to steaming instead of frying, and it’s the crispy edges that bring everything to life.

• Taste as You Go: Always stop and sample! Just a pinch of this and a dash of that can transform your creation from good to sensational.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Switch it up with different proteins, like chicken or tofu for a vegetarian spin. Swap in your favorite sauces—teriyaki or sweet and sour can add exciting flair.

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Stir in baby spinach or shredded carrots at the very end—simple extra goodness, and nobody will be the wiser! How about a spicy kick? Toss in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes; it’ll make your taste buds dance!

Ingredients list

• 1 pound beef (flank or sirloin), sliced thinly
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Common questions

• What’s the prep time? About 15-20 minutes for marinating and chopping, then only 10 minutes to cook!
• Can I use frozen veggies? Absolutely! Just remember they may take a bit longer to cook.
• Is it gluten-free? If you swap soy sauce for a gluten-free variety, you’re good to go!
• What to do if beef is overcooked? If you’ve cooked it too long, it may taste tough—try adding a splash of broth when reheating to inject some moisture.
• Can I make it in advance? Of course! It’s great for meal prepping. Just reheat and enjoy!

There’s something a little special about this Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables, wouldn’t you agree? As you enjoy each bite, remember that this dish is all about creativity and personal preference. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether it’s a new veggie or a twist on spices, every tweak just adds your unique touch. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please, share your experiences or any crazy mix-ins you discover along the way! Happy cooking, friend!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Amish Hamburger Steak Bake

♻️ Uses leftover mixed vegetables96%

Old-Fashioned Goulash

♻️ Uses leftover beef40%

Print Recipe

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Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Cuisine: Chinese Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15-20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Cooking Temp: high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Any

Description

This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is a savory dish bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies!

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound beef (flank or sirloin), sliced thinly (Choose your cut wisely for preferred flavor and tenderness.)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas) (Feel free to substitute with other veggies like carrots or zucchini.)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Use low-sodium if preferred.)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (Adds richness and depth of flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Thickens the sauce.)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (Choose oil with a high smoke point.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Enhances flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (Adds a punch of flavor.)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Essential for rounding out flavors.)

Cooking Instructions

Steps to Prepare

1. Marinate the Beef

   In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat it Up

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Aromatics

   Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook the Beef

   Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Add the Veggies

   Toss in mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until bright and tender-crisp.
   Cook until veggies are vibrant with a bit of bite.
   Mark as complete

6. Season and Serve

   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 17g27%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 6g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 1500 IU

Vitamin C 60 mg

Calcium 80 mg

Iron 3 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Beef Stir Fry, quick dinner, healthy stir fry, easy recipe