A vibrant plate of Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables, featuring tender beef, bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and a savory sauce, garnished with sesame seeds.

Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables

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Looking for a delicious, quick, and healthy dinner idea that’s full of flavor? Look no further than this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables! With tender slices of beef, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that brings everything together, this dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant colors that will brighten up your plate and leave you satisfied.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to your taste. Whether you’re a fan of snow peas, carrots, bell peppers, or any other veggie, this stir-fry is the perfect base for your creativity. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this satisfying and tasty meal.

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), hoisin sauce (optional), rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch dissolves completely and the sauce is smooth. Set this aside for later.

Cook the Beef:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef in batches, ensuring each piece has enough room to brown evenly. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced carrots, red bell pepper, and snow peas (or sugar snap peas) to the pan. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp and vibrant. This will help preserve their color and nutritional value while giving them a slight crunch.

Combine Beef and Sauce:

  1. Add the cooked beef back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to coat the beef and veggies with the sauce. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Beef Stir-Fry:

  • Use thinly sliced beef: Thin slices of beef will cook faster and become more tender. If you find it hard to slice the beef thinly, freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier.
  • Don’t overcook the veggies: Stir-fry your veggies quickly to maintain their crunch and vibrant color. Overcooking can make them mushy, which will affect both the texture and flavor of your dish.
  • Customize the sauce: You can adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you like a bit more sweetness, add extra hoisin sauce. For extra spice, add some chili paste or fresh chili slices to the stir-fry.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free or skip it altogether.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve the Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables over fluffy, steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite more satisfying.
  • With Noodles: If you prefer noodles, toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or even ramen. The noodles will complement the stir-fry and make for a heartier meal.
  • Add Extra Veggies: You can experiment by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn to suit your taste.
  • Serve with a side of pickles: For an added crunch and tang, serve the stir-fry alongside some Asian-style pickled vegetables.

FAQs

Can I make this Beef Stir-Fry ahead of time?

While stir-fry is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the beef and chop the vegetables the night before, and store them separately in the fridge. Cook everything together just before serving.

Can I use chicken or tofu instead of beef?

Yes! This recipe is highly versatile. You can substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or even pork for a different protein. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers into the stir-fry. You can also swap the hoisin sauce for a spicier alternative.

Conclusion

This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables is not only a quick and easy meal, but it’s also full of vibrant flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds. The tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce combine to make a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Give it a try and enjoy a colorful, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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