If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful balance of tender beef and crisp vegetables all coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce that will excite your taste buds. Perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive casual dinner, this dish brings color, texture, and bold flavors to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of these ingredients is what makes this Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe so approachable and delicious. Each element plays a crucial role: the beef provides richness and protein, the fresh vegetables add crunch and natural sweetness, and the sauce ingredients tie everything together with deep, savory notes.
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose sirloin for tenderness and flavor; slicing thinly ensures quick cooking and a great texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a splash of color and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory beef.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Works alongside the red pepper to create a vibrant, inviting dish visually and taste-wise.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: A classic stir-fry veggie that offers crunch and nutrients.
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and a nice color contrast.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Delivers a zesty warmth that brightens the entire dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for depth and aromatic goodness.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: The umami backbone of the sauce—low sodium keeps it balanced.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional): Offers an extra punch of flavor and richness if you like it a bit more savory.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the marinade for a perfect glaze on the beef and vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat without burning.
How to Make Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by slicing the beef against the grain into thin strips—this keeps the meat tender and easy to chew. Next, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots into bite-sized pieces to ensure every forkful has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch together. Toss the beef strips in this marinade and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This not only infuses the meat with incredible flavor but also gives the cornstarch a chance to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce later.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear it quickly, about 2 minutes, just until it’s browned on the outside but still slightly undercooked. This quick sear locks in the juices and flavors without overcooking the beef in the final stir fry.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables turn bright and maintain a slight crispness, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. This method keeps the veggies vibrant and fresh, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender beef.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Pour the remaining marinade over the beef and vegetables in the wok. Toss well so every ingredient gets coated in that luscious sauce. Heat everything through for just one more minute to blend the flavors perfectly. Then you’re ready to serve a steaming, mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with zest and freshness.
How to Serve Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of chopped green onions elevates your stir fry with a subtle nutty crunch and a pop of freshness. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil can also introduce a warm, fragrant aroma that perfectly complements the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, soaking up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it atop cauliflower rice or alongside steamed noodles to turn this meal into an even bigger feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with cilantro or crushed peanuts makes it feel like a restaurant-worthy meal at home. You might also try plating it over a bed of soba noodles or stuff it into lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, just keep the veggies from overcooking by reheating gently.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of cooked vegetables might suffer. If you decide to freeze, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stir fry seems dry. This method helps restore moisture and keeps the beef tender. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Flank steak or ribeye both work well. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds richness and depth, but the recipe works well without it if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Soy sauce alone will still give great flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and increase the veggies. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mushroom-based seasoning for similar umami.
How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
Stir-fry over high heat and cook the veggies just until crisp-tender. Overcooking or adding too much liquid can make them mushy.
What can I do to make the sauce thicker?
Make sure to include the cornstarch in the marinade; it helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. You can add a slurry of cornstarch and water if you want it thicker after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic go-to meal whenever you want something delicious, wholesome, and simple to make. Its vibrant combination of flavors, colors, and textures will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it remains a beloved classic in many kitchens!
Print
Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry featuring tender sirloin, crisp bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots tossed in a savory marinade of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this stir fry is cooked in just 15 minutes and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Heat Oil and Sear Beef: Place a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. When hot, add the marinated beef and sear it until browned on the outside but still slightly undercooked, around 2 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Stir-Fry: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and thinly sliced carrots to the wok. Stir-fry the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become vibrant in color and remain crisp-tender.
- Finish Cooking: Pour the remaining marinade over the beef and vegetables in the wok. Toss to combine everything evenly and heat through for an additional minute before removing from heat. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit oyster sauce or use a gluten-free alternative.
- To make the dish spicier, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes during the stir-fry.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Ensure to slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the wok to maintain high heat for proper searing.
