Easy Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables: A Flavorful 30 Minute Recipe

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Introduction: Why Beef Stir-Fry is a Go-To Weeknight Meal

Beef stir-fry with vegetables is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce to create a meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Best of all, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to use your favorite veggies and adjust the flavors to your liking.

In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy step-by-step recipe to make the perfect beef stir-fry at home. You’ll also learn tips for achieving tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a sauce that ties everything together.

Ingredients for Beef Stir-Fry

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

For the Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This ensures tenderness in every bite.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the beef slices and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

  1. Choose Your Veggies: Use a mix of colorful vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Steam Harder Vegetables: If using hard vegetables like broccoli or carrots, lightly steam them for 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook through during the stir-fry.

Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Set Aside: Keep the sauce nearby for easy access during cooking.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
  2. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but not overcooked. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

  1. Add More Oil: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same pan.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back into the pan with the vegetables.
  2. Pour the Sauce: Stir in the prepared sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve Hot: Transfer the beef stir-fry to a serving dish and pair it with steamed rice or noodles.
  2. Customize: Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick, or drizzle extra sesame oil for enhanced flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stir-Fry

  1. Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This ensures that the beef stays tender and the vegetables retain their crunch.
  2. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast!
  3. Slice Beef Properly: Always slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Adjust the Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch. For a lighter sauce, add a splash of water or broth.

Why Homemade Beef Stir-Fry is the Best

Making beef stir-fry at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients, tailor the flavors to your liking, and avoid excess salt or unhealthy additives. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for families, meal prep, or a simple dinner for two.

Final Thoughts: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Beef stir-fry with vegetables is a dish that never goes out of style. With this recipe, you’ll have a flavorful, healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with different vegetable combinations and sauces to keep things exciting!

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