If you’ve ever craved a meal that strikes the perfect balance between tender, juicy beef and crisp, colorful vegetables, this Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables is going to steal your heart. Sizzle up your dinner with this vibrant beef stir fry, packed with colorful veggies and bold flavors! Each bite delivers succulent strips of sirloin bathed in a savory soy and oyster sauce, while the ginger and garlic add just the right zing. This recipe is like a mini trip to your favorite Asian bistro, but without the long wait or hefty bill. It’s quick enough to whip up any weeknight, yet impressive enough for Sunday dinners when you want something satisfying but still light and fresh.
Beyond its tempting flavor, this dish boasts a rainbow of nutrients: crunchy broccoli florets, sweet red bell pepper, and snap peas that still hold a bright snap even after a quick sauté. The combination of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds elevates every forkful, giving it a nutty finish that will have your taste buds dancing. Not to mention, it’s beginner-friendly—no fancy techniques required—just simple steps and readily available ingredients. At around 450 calories per serving and a total prep-and-cook time of just over 45 minutes (including a 15-minute marinating rest), this easy meal ticks all the boxes for a healthy, satisfying dinner or lunch.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BEEF STIR FRY WITH VEGETABLES
Before you dive into the cooking, let’s talk about the stars of this show. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the shimmering sauce that coats every strand of beef to the crisp veggies that provide a palate-refreshing crunch. Here’s a closer look:
- Beef sirloin
A lean, tender cut that cooks quickly and absorbs the savory marinade, delivering juicy, flavorful strips in every bite.
- Soy sauce
Provides a deep umami backbone, seasoning the beef and creating the rich, salty base of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce
Adds a slightly sweet, earthy depth to the stir fry, enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Cornstarch
Helps thicken the marinade into a glossy glaze, locks in juices, and ensures the beef stays tender.
- Vegetable oil
A high-heat frying oil that allows for quick, even cooking without burning, giving you a perfect sear on the beef and veggies.
- Onion
Offers sweetness and body; when thinly sliced and sautéed, it softens just enough to meld with the other ingredients.
- Red bell pepper
Brings a burst of vibrant color and natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements of the dish.
- Broccoli florets
Provide a fresh, crunchy texture and a boost of vitamins, holding up nicely in the hot pan.
- Snap peas
Deliver a bright snap and slight sweetness, contributing to the dish’s lively crunch.
- Garlic
Imparts a pungent, aromatic punch that complements the ginger and lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Fresh ginger
Adds warmth and a gentle heat, giving the stir fry its characteristic zing.
- Sesame oil
Drizzled at the end for a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce and ties all the elements together.
- Sesame seeds
Toasted atop the finished dish, providing a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings to taste, allowing you to adjust the final balance of flavors.
- Cooked rice or noodles
The perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of the savory sauce, keeping the meal filling and versatile.
- Optional garnishes (green onions, chili flakes)
Brighten the dish with fresh oniony notes or turn up the heat for those who crave a little extra kick.
HOW TO MAKE BEEF STIR FRY WITH VEGETABLES
With the ingredients prepped and ready, you’re about to embark on a quick-paced, flavor-packed cooking adventure. Follow these steps closely to achieve that iconic restaurant-quality stir fry at home.
1. In a bowl, combine beef strips with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well so every piece is coated evenly, then let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step ensures maximum flavor and tenderizes the meat.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
3. Add the beef strips in batches, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes per batch, allowing a nice sear to form. Remove the beef and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Sauté the sliced onion, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach a tender-crisp texture.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This quick step unlocks those aromatic oils that elevate the entire dish.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and stir everything together, ensuring the veggies and meat are well combined.
7. Drizzle with sesame oil, then toss to coat the mixture thoroughly and nestle in that toasty, nutty flavor.
8. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds evenly over the stir fry for an extra layer of texture.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
10. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, letting the grains soak up any remaining sauce.
11. Garnish with sliced green onions and chili flakes if desired, for a pop of color and optional heat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BEEF STIR FRY WITH VEGETABLES
Serving this flavorful stir fry is all about presentation and complementing the bold, vibrant ingredients. It sings brightest when plated thoughtfully, transforming a simple meal into a memorable experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a solo treat, these suggestions will help you highlight every delicious note.
- Family-style platter
Transfer the stir fry to a large shallow bowl or platter and place it at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves. Surround it with bowls of steamed jasmine rice and small dipping bowls of extra soy sauce or chili oil.
- Bento box lunch
Divide into meal-prep containers with compartments: one for the stir fry, one for fluffy brown rice, and a section for pickled carrots or cucumber slices. This makes a balanced, grab-and-go lunch that stays fresh.
- Noodle bowl
Layer cooked egg noodles in a deep bowl, top with the stir fry, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. The creamy sauce adds a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the savory beef.
- Lettuce wraps
Offer crisp butter lettuce leaves alongside the hot stir fry. Spoon a bit into each leaf, then roll it up like a taco. This low-carb, hands-on approach is fun for gatherings and adds extra crunch.
HOW TO STORE BEEF STIR FRY WITH VEGETABLES
Proper storage keeps your leftover stir fry tasting just as vibrant the next day, making it an ideal candidate for lunches or quick dinners. The key is to preserve both the texture of the vegetables and the juiciness of the beef while preventing the sauce from becoming too soggy.
- Refrigerator storage
Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly to lock in moisture and prevent the veggies from drying out.
- Separate rice or noodles
If you have extra grains, store them in a different container to maintain the stir fry’s texture. Reheat the beef and veggies independently, then combine just before serving.
- Freezer-friendly portions
Divide the stir fry into meal-sized freezer bags, pressing out excess air. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Reheating tips
Warm leftovers in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to help steam and revive the vegetables. Stir constantly for even heating, and finish with a quick drizzle of sesame oil for freshness.
CONCLUSION
This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables checks every box: bold flavor, colorful presentation, and lightning-fast cooking—all while remaining beginner-friendly. From the first marinating step to the final sesame seed sprinkle, you’ve learned how each ingredient and technique works together to create a symphony of textures and tastes. Whether you opt for the classic rice bed or get creative with lettuce wraps, this dish adapts effortlessly to your preferences and schedule.
Don’t let its simplicity fool you—this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping for lunch, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder, or save it for reference when your cravings strike. You’ll also find a handy FAQ section below to address any questions you might have about substitutions, cooking times, or ingredient swaps. If you give this stir fry a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you’ve tweaked the veggies, added more chili flakes, or discovered your own secret garnish, let’s keep the conversation going. Happy cooking!
Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables
Description
This beef stir fry is a symphony of tender strips of sirloin and crunchy vegetables, all brought together by a savory sauce. It's quick, flavorful, and perfect over rice or noodles!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine beef strips with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the beef strips in batches; cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add remaining vegetable oil. Sauté onion, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas for 4-5 minutes or until they are tender-crisp.
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Add garlic and ginger; sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Return the beef to the skillet. Stir everything together.
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Drizzle with sesame oil. Toss to coat the mixture well.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and chili flakes if desired.
Note
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef longer, ideally overnight.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili flakes.
- You can substitute or add other vegetables such as carrots or baby corn.
- Consider using tamari for a gluten-free option.
