If you are craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dinner that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight, this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Tender strips of beef mingle with crisp, fresh veggies and a savory, glossy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It balances protein, crunch, and bold flavor in a way that feels both healthy and indulgent, making it perfect for family meals or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Let me walk you through how easy and rewarding this recipe is to make from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role. The fresh vegetables bring color and crunch, the beef adds a rich umami touch, and the sauce creates a harmonious glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose a tender cut for quick cooking and the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a neutral, healthy base to cook the beef and veggies without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant sweetness and a satisfying crispness to the stir-fry.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a satisfying crunch and a boost of green nutrition in every forkful.
- 1/2 cup snow peas: Brings a slightly sweet, fresh snap that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone for the dish’s savory flavor.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Introduces subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce, giving it that restaurant-quality complexity.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy finish that clings beautifully to each ingredient.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Begin by warming olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil needs to be hot but not smoking, which ensures a quick sear on the beef without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin into the skillet and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the meat can sear rather than steam. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside—this keeps it tender and ready to return later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add your vibrant red bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, and crisp snow peas. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn tender-crisp. This quick cooking preserves the vegetables’ freshness and color, giving the dish its signature bright appeal and crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This simple blend is what transforms the stir-fry into a glossy, flavor-packed delight.
Step 5: Combine Sauce with Vegetables
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked vegetables in the skillet. Stir constantly to ensure every piece is coated evenly. The cornstarch instantly begins to thicken the sauce, creating that irresistible glaze you want on each bite.
Step 6: Return Beef to the Pan
Now, add the cooked beef back to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors marry and the sauce thicken fully, making the beef and vegetables shine as one cohesive dish.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Serve your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe hot, ideally over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your stir-fry, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These little additions add freshness and a nutty crunch that beautifully complement the rich, savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice, which soak up every drop of sauce. If you prefer noodles, try rice noodles or even soba for a fun twist. For a lighter touch, a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings also make excellent partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stir-fry in colorful bowls or on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh take. You could also stuff it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that adds a burst of crisp texture. Presentation can turn an everyday dinner into something special worth sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef stir-fry keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but the vegetables may lose some crunch when thawed. Pack it in a freezer-safe container, and consume within 1 month for best taste. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the stir-fry on the stovetop over medium heat for best results, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwaving is faster, but heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the beef and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and quick cooking, flank steak or ribeye sliced thinly also work great. Just be sure to slice against the grain for tender bites.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and depth.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp when stir-frying?
Cook vegetables over high heat for a short time without covering the pan. This technique locks in the crunch and prevents sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or an extra splash of soy sauce to keep the sauce flavorful. The veggies shine no matter what.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of traditional soy sauce, which often contains wheat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about the combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a luscious sauce in this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels special but comes together in a flash, perfect for any day you want a satisfying, colorful dinner without tons of fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a regular in your cooking rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 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 featuring tender sirloin and a colorful medley of bell pepper, broccoli, and snow peas, all coated in a savory hoisin-soy sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, ensuring the pan is hot enough for a good sear.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and crunch.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture will thicken as it cooks.
- Add the sauce to vegetables: Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables in the skillet and stir well to coat every piece evenly.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the hot beef stir-fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Feel free to substitute or add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, increase cornstarch to 1.5 teaspoons.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or chow mein noodles.
