Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and tasty dinner option?
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is the perfect solution!
This dish combines tender, juicy beef with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also great for customizing with your favorite veggies.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a weeknight meal, this stir fry is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
What You Need for Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for a mouth-watering beef stir fry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Choose a tender cut like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin.
- Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas works well. Feel free to swap these out with other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Sauce Ingredients: You’ll need soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Cooking Tools: A wok or large skillet is ideal for stir frying, as it allows you to cook the ingredients evenly and quickly.
How to Prep Your Ingredients for Stir Fry
Preparation is key to making sure your stir fry turns out perfectly. Here’s how to get everything ready:
- Beef Preparation: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the beef stays tender and cooks quickly. If you have time, marinate the beef in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 15–30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Prep: Slice your vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate. Cutting them too thick will make them tough, while slicing them too thin can cause them to overcook.
- Marinating Beef (Optional): For a more flavorful stir fry, marinate your beef in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
Tips for Perfect Beef Stir Fry
To make your stir fry as delicious as possible, here are a few pro tips:
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re cooking a large batch, do it in batches. Overcrowding the pan will steam the ingredients instead of stir-frying them, leaving them soggy.
- Customize Your Veggies: The beauty of stir fry is that it’s highly customizable! If you don’t have bell peppers or snap peas, try mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: If you like your stir fry saltier, add a bit more soy sauce. For a sweeter stir fry, increase the honey or hoisin sauce. You can also add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Variations of Beef Stir Fry
There are endless ways to make this beef stir fry your own. Here are a few variations to try:
- Spicy Beef Stir Fry: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili paste to your stir fry. It’ll give the dish a nice spicy kick!
- Beef and Noodles Stir Fry: For a heartier meal, add cooked noodles (like rice noodles or egg noodles) to the stir fry. Toss them in with the sauce to make a delicious noodle stir fry.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re cutting carbs, skip the rice and serve your stir fry over cauliflower rice instead. It’s a healthy and low-carb alternative.
Pairing Suggestions for Beef Stir Fry
To make your meal complete, consider these side dish and drink pairings:
- Rice: Serve your stir fry over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try cauliflower rice.
- Side Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw pairs beautifully with this dish. For more salad recipes click here.
- Drinks: Pair your stir fry with a cold glass of iced green tea or a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The refreshing notes complement the savory flavors of the stir fry.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of meat for this stir fry?
Yes! You can use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times depending on the meat.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the vegetables and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Then, simply stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a combination of soy sauce, honey, and a little peanut butter. This will mimic the sweet and savory flavor of hoisin.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can work in this recipe, though fresh vegetables tend to retain better texture and flavor when stir-fried.
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables (30-Minutes)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir frying
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot julienned
- ½ cup snap peas ends trimmed
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional, for garnish
- Steamed rice optional, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you have time, marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 15–30 minutes for added flavor.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Heat the Pan:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring, so it forms a nice crispy crust. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender but still crisp.
Add the Snap Peas:
- Add the snap peas to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Return the beef to the pan along with the pre-made sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve over steamed rice or enjoy it on its own.