This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef slices with a colorful mix of crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Customizable: Swap out vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a fresh, homemade version without the takeout.
Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. In a bowl, toss the beef with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables and sauce.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, beef broth, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are bright and slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and veggies beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with additional crushed red pepper flakes or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn to the stir-fry for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore the sauce’s consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

How do I make the beef more tender?

Slicing the beef against the grain and marinating it with cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and lock in moisture.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin work well for stir-fry dishes.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

While fresh vegetables provide the best texture, you can use frozen vegetables if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir-fry.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?

Using low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce helps control the saltiness. Taste the sauce before adding more soy sauce or salt.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn to suit your preferences.

How do I store leftover stir-fry?

Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this dish?

While stir-fry can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables may change upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some extra heat.

Can I use a different oil?

Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed or peanut oil, in place of vegetable oil.

How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it’s browned and cooked through. Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.

Conclusion

This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to your liking with different vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.