Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

The sizzling sound of tender strips of beef hitting a hot wok, the aromatic blend of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen, and the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables coming to life – that’s the sensory experience of making a perfect Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables. This classic dish combines protein-rich beef with nutrient-packed vegetables in a savory sauce that coats every bite with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy meal for guests, this versatile stir fry delivers on both taste and convenience. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables with perfectly cooked meat, crisp-tender veggies, and a balanced sauce that brings everything together harmoniously.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast to prepare – you can have a complete, nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious. The contrasting textures are a highlight: tender, juicy beef strips alongside crisp vegetables that maintain their satisfying crunch.

The flavor profile is perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and umami notes that dance on your palate. The beef soaks up the rich marinade, while the vegetables contribute their natural sweetness and freshness. The glossy sauce ties everything together, clinging to each piece for maximum flavor in every bite.

Perhaps best of all, this beef and vegetable stir fry is endlessly customizable. You can adjust the heat level, swap in seasonal vegetables, or change the protein to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s also a complete one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing nutrition and satisfaction.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp baking soda (tenderizes the meat)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced

For the Sauce:

• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying

The quality of your beef matters significantly – choose well-marbled cuts for the most tender results in your vegetable beef stir fry. Fresh vegetables will provide the best texture and flavor contrast to the savory beef.

Pro Tips

Freeze the Beef First: For the thinnest, most tender slices, place your beef in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat just enough to make slicing against the grain much easier and more precise. Thin, uniform slices ensure quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness in your Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables.

Prep Everything Before Heating the Wok: The most critical technique for successful stir frying is having all ingredients prepped and within arm’s reach before you begin cooking. Stir frying happens quickly – often in just minutes – so having your meat sliced, vegetables cut, and sauce mixed means you can focus on cooking each component perfectly without risk of overcooking while you scramble to prepare the next ingredient.

Control Your Heat Strategically: Master the art of heat management for perfect stir fry results. Start with a very hot wok or pan to sear the beef quickly (1-2 minutes), then remove it temporarily. Reduce heat slightly for vegetables that need different cooking times (add harder vegetables like carrots first, followed by quicker-cooking ones like bell peppers). Finally, return to medium-high heat when recombining all ingredients with the sauce for that final glossy finish without burning the sauce or overcooking the vegetables.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Beef

Slice your beef against the grain into thin strips about 1/8-inch thick. Place the sliced beef in a medium bowl and add soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece, ensuring the tenderizing baking soda is evenly distributed. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator) while you prepare the other ingredients. This marinating step is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring tender meat in your Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

While the beef marinates, slice all your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For the broccoli, cut into small florets that will cook quickly. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl, whisking well to dissolve the cornstarch completely – this prevents lumps from forming when the sauce heats. Having the sauce pre-mixed allows you to add it all at once at the critical moment when your stir fry needs it.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it’s very hot, then add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds before stirring. Cook just until the beef changes color but isn’t fully cooked through, about 1-2 minutes total. Transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for 15 seconds until fragrant. Add vegetables in order of cooking time – carrots first, then broccoli, followed by bell peppers, mushrooms, and finally snow peas. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are bright and crisp-tender, maintaining some crunch for the perfect texture contrast in your Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the beef to the wok with any accumulated juices. Give your sauce mixture one final whisk and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir constantly as the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens, coating everything in a glossy finish, about 1-2 minutes. Add green onions, toss everything together, and remove from heat. Your stunning, flavor-packed Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is ready to serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Variations

Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir Fry: Transform this recipe into a fiery delight by adding 2-3 dried red chilies (broken in half) and 1 tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns when cooking the aromatics. Increase the heat further with 1-2 teaspoons of chili oil or chili paste in the sauce. This variation creates a numbing, spicy version that fans of bold flavors will adore alongside the traditional Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables elements.

Thai-Inspired Coconut Beef Stir Fry: For a Southeast Asian twist, replace half the beef broth with coconut milk and add 1 tablespoon of Thai red curry paste to the sauce. Include fresh Thai basil leaves and lime juice at the finish for a fragrant, creamy variation that works beautifully with the beef and vegetable combination. The coconut adds richness while maintaining the essential character of the stir fry.

Keto-Friendly Option: Make this Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables keto-compatible by omitting the cornstarch and brown sugar. Instead, thicken the sauce with xanthan gum (1/4 teaspoon) and sweeten with a monk fruit sweetener. Focus on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and bok choy while serving over cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal with minimal carbs.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, being careful not to overcook the already-tender beef and vegetables.

For freezing, cool the stir fry completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve your Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables over steamed jasmine rice for a classic presentation, or try one of these serving suggestions:

• Over rice noodles or egg noodles tossed with a bit of sesame oil
• In lettuce cups for a lower-carb option that adds fresh crunch
• Alongside a simple miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal

For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve family-style on a large platter garnished with additional sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for stir fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, and ribeye are excellent choices for Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables. These cuts have good marbling and become tender when sliced thinly against the grain and cooked quickly at high heat. Avoid stew meat or chuck, which require long cooking times to become tender.

Why is my beef tough in stir fry?
Tough beef usually results from either slicing with the grain instead of against it, slicing too thickly, or overcooking. Remember to slice thinly against the grain, marinate with tenderizers like baking soda, and cook the beef quickly over high heat just until it changes color.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients and make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then stir fry just before serving. Alternatively, fully cook the dish and reheat gently – the flavors develop nicely overnight.

What vegetables work best in beef stir fry?
Choose vegetables with similar cooking times or add them in stages. Good options include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, bok choy, and onions. Harder vegetables like carrots should be cut thinner or added first.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it’s easily adapted by substituting tamari for soy sauce and ensuring your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or using a gluten-free alternative like coconut aminos with fish sauce for depth).

Conclusion

This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is comfort food at its finest — quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for company, bringing restaurant-quality Asian flavors to your home kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies your cravings for something flavorful and nutritious without hours of work, proving that delicious, balanced meals don’t require complicated techniques or specialty ingredients. Whether you’re a cooking novice or seasoned home chef, this adaptable recipe deserves a permanent place in your collection. The combination of tender beef, crisp colorful vegetables, and that irresistible savory-sweet sauce creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts — simple ingredients transformed through the magic of high-heat cooking into something truly crave-worthy.

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