Beef Stir Fry Vegetables

Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is the kind of quick, flavor-packed dinner that genuinely saves the day on busy weeknights. The tender beef sizzles up in minutes and the crisp veggies tossed in a glossy homemade sauce make it a dish everyone rushes to the table for.

This was one of the first stir fries I mastered as a college student. It feels special and easy at the same time. My family always asks for seconds and leftovers rarely last past lunch the next day.

Ingredients

• Beef flank steak sirloin or ribeye: Thin slices soak up flavor and stay tender. Look for marbling for best results
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a salty boost. Choose a low-sodium version if you like
• Hoisin sauce: Brings sweet and savory character. Try to pick an additive-free variety
• Sesame oil: Imparts a toasty nutty aroma. Always use the toasted version for stir fries
• Honey: Balances the saltiness and adds gloss to the sauce. You want pure honey for clean flavor
• Fresh garlic and ginger: Brighten the dish with pungency and warmth. Use freshly grated or minced for the best punch
• Vegetable oil: Handles high heat and creates that classic sear. Go for avocado or canola if you want a neutral flavor
• Bell pepper carrot broccoli and snap peas: The stars for crunch color and natural sweetness. Pick veggies that are firm and vibrantly colored
• Green onions: Finish with freshness. Opt for the brightest green stalks
• Sesame seeds: Optional but they offer a gentle crunch and toasty note
• Steamed rice: Classic base to catch all that delicious sauce. Choose a fluffier medium grain or jasmine rice if you can

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef:

Thinly slice the beef against the grain using a sharp knife. Marinating in soy sauce garlic and ginger for up to thirty minutes amps up tenderness and flavor but is optional if pressed for time

Make the Sauce:

In a bowl whisk together soy sauce hoisin sauce sesame oil honey minced garlic and grated ginger until fully combined. Set beside your stove so it is ready when you need it

Heat the Pan:

Warm a wok or heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Lay the beef in a single layer and allow it to sear undisturbed for about three minutes. This helps the slices develop a flavorful brown crust. Move the beef to a plate as soon as it is browned

Stir Fry the Vegetables:

Add the rest of your vegetable oil to the same hot pan. Toss in carrot bell pepper and broccoli. Stir and flip for three to five minutes until veggies look brighter but are still crunchy

Add the Snap Peas:

Toss snap peas into the sautéed vegetables. Keep the veggies in motion for another couple of minutes to keep them crisp and vibrant

Combine Beef and Sauce:

Return the seared beef to the pan. Pour in your sauce mixture. Stir carefully to coat beef and veg in every spoonful of sauce. Let everything bubble for a minute until the sauce thickens and glazes the food

Serve:

Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Spoon over fluffy rice if desired and dive right in

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I absolutely love how that drizzle of toasted sesame oil makes your kitchen smell incredible. The crunch of the snap peas always brings back memories of my kids sneaking bites from the pan before dinner was even served.

Storage Tips

Leftover stir fry stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium with a splash of water to loosen the sauce but avoid the microwave if possible to keep the beef tender. You can also freeze cooked stir fry for up to a month although vegetables will soften after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

No flank steak available Use sirloin or even chicken or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Broccoli can be swapped for cauliflower or zucchini. If out of hoisin sauce try a mix of extra soy sauce with a touch more honey and a small spoon of tomato paste.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your beef stir fry with hot steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal. For a lighter option serve it over cauliflower rice or even a crisp bed of salad greens. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a fresh finish.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for stir fry?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great choices as they become tender when thinly sliced and cooked quickly.

→ How do you keep beef tender in the pan?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. A quick sear produces juicy, tender pieces.

→ Can other vegetables be substituted?

Absolutely. Snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn can be swapped in for variety and different textures.

→ Is marinating the beef necessary?

Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, simply seasoning before stir-frying still yields tasty results.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Steamed jasmine rice or noodles complement the flavors perfectly, or keep it low-carb by serving without grains.