Delicious Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe for Weeknight Dinner

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a timeless dish that packs a punch of flavor, texture, and vibrant colors.

It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of tender, thinly sliced beef and a variety of crisp vegetables cooked in a savory stir-fry sauce creates a delicious harmony that appeals to the senses.

The dish is versatile, easily adaptable to what you have in your fridge, and bursting with flavors from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a dash of sesame oil.

As the ingredients cook together in a hot wok or skillet, the sizzling sounds and the fragrant aromas fill your kitchen, inviting you to take a seat and enjoy the meal. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir-fry is a perfect blend of healthy and satisfying, with the beef providing protein and the vegetables offering a colorful mix of nutrients.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create the perfect Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry, with tips and tricks for achieving tender beef, crisp-tender vegetables, and a flavor-packed sauce.

Ingredients List

To make a flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Beef

For this stir-fry, choose cuts that cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly. Ideal options include:

• Flank steak – Known for its lean texture and flavorful bite.
• Sirloin – Offers a tender texture and can be sliced thinly for quick cooking.
• Skirt steak – A more affordable option with great flavor, though slightly chewier.

Vegetables

A mix of colorful vegetables adds crunch, nutrition, and visual appeal to the stir-fry. Some of the best options include:

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) – Sweet and crunchy, they add a pop of color.
• Carrots – Thinly sliced or julienned for a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Broccoli – Lightly cooked to remain crisp, adding texture and a dose of vitamins.
• Snap peas – Sweet and crisp, providing a refreshing contrast to the other vegetables.
• Onions (yellow or red) – Adds flavor depth with a slight sweetness when stir-fried.

You can also experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn, depending on your preference.

Stir-Fry Sauce

The sauce is the heart of any stir-fry, providing the dish with bold, savory flavor. A simple stir-fry sauce for this recipe includes:

• Soy sauce – The base of the sauce, providing a salty, umami flavor.
• Garlic – Minced garlic adds a fragrant, aromatic depth.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger lends a slightly spicy and zesty note.
• Sesame oil – A touch of sesame oil enhances the richness of the sauce.
• Optional chili flakes or sriracha – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha will spice things up.

Seasonings and Garnishes

To finish off the dish and elevate the flavors:

• Green onions – Thinly sliced for garnish, adding a fresh, slightly sharp flavor.
• Sesame seeds – Lightly toasted sesame seeds bring a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish, adds a burst of color and freshness.

These ingredients combine to create a stir-fry that’s both quick and incredibly delicious, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Preparation

Preparing the Beef

Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. This ensures the beef cooks quickly and remains tender. If you’re using flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, slice the beef into strips approximately ¼-inch thick.

For extra tenderness, you can marinate the beef for 10-15 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of cornstarch. This marinating step not only infuses flavor into the beef but also helps it stay tender during cooking.

Preparing the Vegetables

To keep the vegetables crisp-tender, slice them into thin, uniform pieces. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, julienne the carrots, and chop the broccoli into small florets. Slice the onions thinly and prepare the snap peas by trimming off the ends. The key is to ensure all the vegetables are cut in similar sizes to allow for even cooking.

Making the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a small amount of sesame oil. For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.

If you like some heat, stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha. Set the sauce aside while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring to get a nice brown crust on the beef.

After the beef is browned, use tongs to flip it over and cook for an additional minute or two, ensuring all sides are cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the onions first, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas.

Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp and vibrant. The key here is to cook them quickly over high heat, keeping the texture intact while allowing them to absorb the flavors from the pan.

Combining Beef and Vegetables

Once the vegetables are crisp-tender, return the beef to the pan. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat. Let the stir-fry simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Final Touches

Remove the stir-fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the sizzling goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry

Beef Tips

To ensure your beef remains tender, avoid overcooking it. Beef strips cook very quickly, so once browned, it’s important to set it aside while you prepare the vegetables. Marinating the beef beforehand can also make it more tender and flavorful.

Vegetable Tips

Stir-fry the vegetables in stages to maintain their crisp-tender texture. Harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli should go in first, followed by softer vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. This method prevents any vegetable from overcooking.

Sauce Tips

Adjust the sauce to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, add a bit more honey or sugar. For extra umami, add a splash of oyster sauce. If you like a deeper, smoky flavor, a dash of hoisin sauce can be a great addition.

Stir-Fry Technique

Stir-frying works best when cooked over high heat. Ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding any ingredients. The high heat ensures the beef and vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy, keeping their textures intact.

Serving Suggestions

Rice or Noodles

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you prefer noodles, try serving the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles or udon noodles for a more substantial meal.

Side Dishes

For a complete Asian-inspired meal, consider serving your stir-fry with side dishes such as crispy spring rolls, egg rolls, or a refreshing cucumber salad. These dishes complement the stir-fry with different textures and flavors.

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the stir-fry to prevent it from drying out. The dish can also be enjoyed cold as part of a lunch bowl or in a wrap.

Nutritional Information

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:

Calories

One serving of Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry contains approximately 350-400 calories. This makes it a great option for a filling yet healthy meal, especially when served with a side of rice or noodles.

Protein

With lean beef as the main ingredient, this stir-fry offers a solid dose of protein, approximately 30-35 grams per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health, making this stir-fry a great option for those seeking a protein-packed meal.

Carbohydrates

A serving typically contains 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, most of which come from the vegetables. The addition of rice or noodles will increase the carbohydrate count, so you can adjust it based on your dietary preferences.

Fiber

With a generous portion of vegetables, each serving provides around 4-6 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.

Fats

The stir-fry contains 10-15 grams of fat, much of which comes from healthy sources like sesame oil and the beef. Most of the fat content is unsaturated, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin C: Found in bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, this stir-fry provides a good amount of Vitamin C, which is vital for immune function and skin health.
• Iron: The beef offers a great source of iron, essential for healthy blood circulation.
• Calcium: Broccoli and sesame seeds contribute small amounts of calcium, supporting bone health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a flavorful, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

The tender beef combined with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce makes it both satisfying and nutritious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can easily adjust the vegetables or protein to suit your preferences, making it a meal that can be enjoyed time and time again.

Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, this stir-fry is a delicious and wholesome dish that everyone in the family will love.

Don’t forget to get creative with the sauce, add your favorite veggies, and enjoy the comforting aromas that fill your kitchen as you stir-fry your way to a delicious meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein in this stir-fry?

Yes, absolutely! While beef is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose, ensuring it’s cooked through.

2. Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?

Yes! To make this stir-fry gluten-free, simply swap the regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, ensure that any other sauces or seasonings you use are gluten-free. The recipe is easily customizable for those with dietary restrictions.

3. Can I make this stir-fry in advance?

While stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to store the beef and vegetables separately from any rice or noodles to maintain their texture. Reheat the stir-fry in a hot pan to bring back its crispy goodness.

4. What other vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?

The possibilities are endless! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, bok choy, or snow peas. Feel free to experiment based on what’s in season or what you have available in your kitchen.

5. How can I make the stir-fry spicier?

If you enjoy heat, you can make this stir-fry spicier by adding chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the stir-fry sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spice.