There’s something incredibly satisfying about the perfect balance of tender beef and crisp fresh veggies all tossed together in a luscious sauce, which is exactly why this Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite go-to meals. It’s quick, colorful, and packed with layers of flavor — from the garlicky ginger marinade to the caramelized edges of the seared beef, every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and exciting or looking to impress friends with a vibrant dish, this recipe truly delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe is in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether adding umami depth, subtle sweetness, or that coveted crunch that makes stir-fries irresistible.
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for quick cooking and maximum flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers sweet and tangy notes that jazz up the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a rich nuttiness essential in classic stir fries.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the salty elements with a gentle sweetness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the dish’s aroma and bite.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a zesty warmth that brightens the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For a high-heat sear that locks in juices.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a juicy crunch.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Delivers a hearty texture and mild bitterness.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Sweet and crisp, it brightens the plate visually and texturally.
- ½ cup snap peas, ends trimmed: Tiny bursts of freshness and sweetness.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds a sharp, fresh note just before serving.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Nutty crunch that complements the sesame oil.
- Steamed rice (optional, for serving): A comforting base to soak up every delicious drop.
How to Make Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips, which is crucial for ensuring it cooks quickly and evenly. Thin cuts soak up the marinade better, giving you tender, flavorful bites in every mouthful.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Toss the beef strips in this aromatic marinade and let them rest for 15 minutes. This step elevates the beef with a splendid balance of sweet, salty, and fragrant flavors that will shine through after cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Having the pan properly hot is the secret to sealing in the juices and achieving that mouthwatering sear on the beef.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer (you may want to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding) and quickly sear for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges caramelize and it’s just cooked through. Then, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside while you tackle the veggies.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender and still bursting with color. This keeps the textures delightful and fresh.
Step 6: Combine Beef and Veggies
Return the seared beef to the skillet and toss everything together to heat through, allowing the flavors to mingle. This quick final step melds the ingredients, letting the beef reabsorb some of the delicious sauce while the veggies stay lively.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you like that extra nutty crunch. Serve immediately, ideally alongside fluffy steamed rice to complete this wonderful Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe.
How to Serve Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions and sesame seeds aren’t just pretty toppings; they add bursts of freshness and a delicate crunch that perfectly complement the rich beef and crisp vegetables. Feel free to add a few chili flakes if you like a bit of heat or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for depth.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with plain steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every bit of sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. A light Asian-inspired cucumber salad would also provide a refreshing contrast on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef stir fry over crispy noodles or wrapped in lettuce cups for a handheld delight. You can also plate it in a colorful bowl layering the rice, stir fry, and garnishes to create an inviting, restaurant-style presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but keep in mind the veggies may soften a bit more after chilling.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’s best eaten within 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the tender texture of the beef and avoid soggy vegetables. A quick microwave blast works too, but stirring halfway through helps keep it evenly heated and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or even thinly sliced chuck. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced to cook quickly and stay tender.
What vegetables work best in beef stir fry?
The classic mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas offers a great balance of textures and colors, but feel free to experiment with mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, or snow peas for new flavor profiles.
How long should I marinate the beef?
Marinating for at least 15 minutes is enough to infuse the beef with flavor without making it mushy. If you have more time, you can marinate for up to an hour, which deepens the taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check your hoisin sauce label as well or opt for a gluten-free alternative.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of chili flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce during the marinating stage or while stir-frying for a spicy kick that elevates the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe is a joyful medley of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors that comes together quickly and simply. It’s one of those dishes you’ll keep coming back to because it feels like a warm, satisfying hug on a plate every time. So go ahead, give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a cherished meal for you and everyone you share it with!
Print
Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables recipe featuring tender slices of beef marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger, then stir-fried to perfection with crisp bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. This dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ½ cup snap peas, ends trimmed
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Serving Suggestion
- Steamed rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to heat thoroughly.
- Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- Combine beef and vegetables: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, then garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by steamed rice.
Notes
- For best results, use a high heat when stir-frying to keep the beef tender and vegetables crisp.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn based on preference.
- Adjust the amount of honey or hoisin sauce to taste for a sweeter or more savory profile.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
