Have you ever had one of those evenings when you’re craving something comforting but still packed with vibrant flavors? That’s exactly how I feel every time I make Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry.
It’s the perfect balance of tender beef, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that makes the whole house smell amazing.
The best part? It’s quick enough for those busy weeknights, but delicious enough to make you feel like you’ve treated yourself to something special.
This recipe has become a staple in our home, especially when I’m short on time but still want to serve something wholesome and satisfying. My kids love the colorful vegetables, and I love that it sneaks in a little extra nutrition without any complaints.
Plus, there’s something about the sizzle of the beef in the pan that always brings a sense of comfort. It’s like a mini escape from the craziness of the day!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a lifesaver on those nights when you want a flavorful, home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The combination of tender beef and crisp veggies creates a delicious contrast in every bite, and the savory sauce ties it all together perfectly. It’s one of those meals that feels satisfying without being too heavy, leaving everyone at the table happy.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, which means it’s perfect for those times when you’re cleaning out the fridge or just looking for a quick and easy dinner.
My kids love customizing their bowls, and I appreciate that I can sneak in a few extra veggies without them even noticing. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
If you found this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry delightful, check out our equally scrumptious Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast !
Ingredients Notes
The ingredients for this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry are simple but come together to create such a flavorful dish.
First, you’ll need some good-quality beef. I like to use flank steak or sirloin because they stay tender, but if you’re in a pinch, ground beef works too. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain to keep everything nice and tender.
As for the vegetables, this is where you can really get creative! I love using a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a pop of color, but you can toss in whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, snap peas, or even mushrooms would work wonderfully.
The key is to keep everything chopped to a similar size so they cook evenly. And don’t forget the garlic and ginger! Fresh is always best here for that extra punch of flavor.
For the sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, a little sesame oil, and something sweet to balance it all out—honey or brown sugar works perfectly.
If you’re avoiding soy, you can always swap it for tamari or coconut aminos. And if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha can really brighten things up. This recipe is all about making it your own, so feel free to experiment!
How to Make Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Start by preparing your beef. If you’re using flank steak or sirloin, slice it thinly against the grain. This is the trick to getting those melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
Once you’ve got it sliced, toss it in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a quick marinade—10-15 minutes is all you need, but even a few minutes while you prep the veggies will add flavor.
Next, get your vegetables ready. Chop your broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. I like to keep them uniform so everything cooks evenly. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. When it’s nice and hot, cook your beef in batches so it sears instead of steams. Just a couple of minutes on each side is enough to keep it tender.
Once the beef is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add your veggies. You want them to stay crisp, so stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, just until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
Then, add the beef back to the pan along with your sauce ingredients—soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or brown sugar.
Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the beef and vegetables. Give it a minute or two for the flavors to mingle, then taste to see if it needs a bit more soy or sweetness. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serve it up over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, comforting meal in no time.
You loved this recipe, right? Find the full printable version just below!
Tips for Making the Best Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
For tender beef, always slice it thinly against the grain. This helps keep it from getting chewy during cooking. Another tip? Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Sear the beef in small batches so it gets that nice caramelized crust without steaming. It makes a big difference in the flavor.
When it comes to the veggies, keep them crisp by not overcooking. A quick stir-fry at high heat should do the trick—just a few minutes is all they need. And don’t be shy with the fresh garlic and ginger; they bring that signature stir-fry aroma to life!
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! While I love using flank steak or sirloin because they stay tender and flavorful, you can easily swap them out.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, ground beef works well too. Just be sure to cook it in batches so it browns nicely and doesn’t steam in the pan. You could also try using chicken or shrimp if you prefer!
What vegetables work best in this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry?
This recipe is so versatile when it comes to the vegetables. I personally love using bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots because they add color and crunch.
But feel free to mix it up based on what you have on hand! Zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just keep everything sliced to a similar size so it cooks evenly.
Can I make this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry gluten-free?
Yes, it’s super easy to make this dish gluten-free. All you need to do is swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Both taste great and give you that same salty, savory flavor without the gluten. It’s a quick adjustment that keeps the recipe just as delicious and satisfying.
PrintBeef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
This Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender beef slices, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches, ensuring a nice sear, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan, toss with the veggies, and stir in sesame oil if desired. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- For added spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 15g
Serving Suggestions
This Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice or even brown rice if you’re looking for a heartier option.
If you’re feeling fancy, serve it over some noodles—my kids love it with lo mein! You could also top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh green onions for a little extra crunch.
If you’re making it for guests, consider serving it alongside a light soup or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the stir-fry. And a chilled glass of iced tea is always a winner!
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Summary
There’s something so comforting about a quick and flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry that brings everyone to the table.
It’s a dish that’s simple enough for busy weeknights but still feels special with every bite. The combination of tender beef and fresh veggies always hits the spot.
I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different veggies or seasonings.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—leave a comment below or share your version with me. And don’t forget to check out more of my favorite recipes!