If you’re craving a dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a satisfying combination of tender meat and crisp vegetables, this Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an incredibly simple dish that transforms humble ingredients into a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Bursting with fresh veggies and juicy slices of beef all coated in a savory sauce, this recipe brings together everything you want in a stir fry with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward ingredients is the first step to making a killer stir fry. Each item plays a crucial role — from the tender beef that soaks up all the flavors, to the colorful vegetables that add crunch and brightness, to the sauce components that unify everything deliciously.
- Beef sirloin (1 lb): Thinly sliced to ensure quick cooking and tender bites every time.
- Red bell pepper (1): Adds sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1): Offers a mild, fruity flavor and sunshine-yellow hue.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Brings a fresh, earthy crunch and lots of green goodness.
- Carrots (1 cup): Thinly sliced for just the right amount of natural sweetness and texture.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Provides a fragrant kick that brightens the whole dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the stir fry with a rich, aromatic base flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): The savory backbone that ties the flavors together without overpowering.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a subtle depth and slight sweetness, making the sauce ultra-satisfying.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and keep the beef wonderfully tender.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for high-heat cooking and giving the ingredients a nice sear.
How to Make Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
This step is all about setting yourself up for success. Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain to promote tenderness, and chop all your veggies into bite-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly. Prepping everything before you turn on the heat makes the stir fry process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch to create a flavor-packed marinade. Toss the beef strips in this mixture at least 15 minutes before cooking. This step not only season the beef perfectly, but the cornstarch also helps to seal in juices and tenderize the meat.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and sear it just until browned, but don’t cook it all the way through — about 2 minutes will do. This keeps the beef juicy, letting it finish cooking later with the vegetables.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and carrots. Stir-fry the veggies for 3 to 5 minutes until they become bright and crisp-tender. This ensures they maintain that perfect snap and vibrant color that makes the dish so appealing.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Pour the remaining marinade over the stir-fried beef and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for an additional minute or so to heat through and slightly thicken the sauce. This final stage brings all the flavors together for a mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions adds a lovely crunch and freshness that brighten each bite. If you want a little zip, adding a few red chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil works wonders without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or even a simple side of steamed noodles complements the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and vegetable stir fry over a bed of crispy lettuce leaves to create handheld wraps. Alternatively, spoon it on top of warm rice paper rolls or use it as a filling for soft bao buns to surprise your guests with something unique and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option ready to go in no time.
Freezing
While you can freeze the stir fry, it’s best to do so without the rice or noodles to avoid texture changes upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag, and consume within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce helps to freshen the dish and keep it moist. Microwaving works too, but watch closely to avoid overcooking the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is great for tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye sliced thinly also work beautifully for stir fry. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Is oyster sauce necessary in the Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe?
Oyster sauce adds a wonderful umami depth, but if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to avoid it, soy sauce alone still creates a tasty marinade. You can also experiment with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter twist.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
The key is to cook the vegetables on high heat for a short time and avoid overcrowding the pan. This technique ensures veggies remain vibrant and crisp rather than soggy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well, or omit it altogether to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
What can I do if I don’t have a wok?
No wok? No problem! Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. Just make sure it’s roomy enough to cook the ingredients evenly without crowding, so you get that perfect sear and stir-fry texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe because it’s a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and savory sauces that come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a quick but satisfying meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry featuring tender sirloin beef and vibrant vegetables cooked in a savory soy and oyster sauce marinade. Perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate Beef: Combine the beef strips with soy sauce, oyster sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Sear Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear until it is browned on the outside but still slightly undercooked on the inside, which should take about 2 minutes. Remove beef and set aside if needed.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and thinly sliced carrots to the hot wok. Stir-fry them for 3 to 5 minutes until they become vibrant in color and maintain a crisp texture.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared beef to the wok or add any reserved marinade. Pour any remaining marinade over the stir-fry and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Continue cooking for an additional minute to heat everything through before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds depth to the flavor; can be omitted for a lighter version.
- Make sure to slice beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Vegetables should remain slightly crisp to preserve texture and nutrients.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms according to preference.
