If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, crunch, and that satisfying savory punch, this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Perfectly tender beef pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp veggies all coated in a luscious, slightly sweet sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s a quick, colorful meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious, comforting dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is a breeze thanks to its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender beef adding richness to the fresh vegetables contributing crunch and vivid color, topped off by a sauce that ties everything together with a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose sirloin for its tenderness and quick cooking properties, ensuring juicy bites every time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This acts as the cooking medium, helping sear the beef beautifully and keeping the veggies crisp.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet, bright flavor and stunning red color to the stir-fry.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides great texture contrast and a boost of green freshness packed with nutrients.
- 1/2 cup snow peas: Their natural sweetness and snap make every bite lively and texturally interesting.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings a rich umami depth and saltiness that defines the character of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity, balancing the savory soy sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings deliciously to every piece of beef and vegetable.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Heat the oil and sear the beef
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your thinly sliced beef sirloin and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to get a nice brown sear on all sides. This step locks in those juicy flavors. Once you see that the beef is cooked through and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the pan and set it aside—don’t overcook or it’ll become tough!
Step 2: Stir-fry the vegetables
In the same pan, toss in your sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry these for roughly 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still have a satisfying crunch. This quick cooking keeps their natural flavors bright and the texture lively, which is a key part of what makes this stir-fry so irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This mixture will transform into a glossy, flavorful coating that brings everything together. The cornstarch acts like magic by thickening the sauce gently in the final cooking stage.
Step 4: Combine everything in the skillet
Pour your sauce over the sizzling vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly. Then, return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and clings to all the ingredients. This is where the dish truly shines—saucy, silky, and packed with fantastic flavor.
Step 5: Serve piping hot
Once your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe has come together perfectly, scoop it up straight from the pan and serve it immediately. Whether over steamed rice or alongside your favorite noodles, this dish tastes best hot and fresh.
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your stir-fry from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the top adds a lovely crunch and a fresh burst of flavor. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the whole dish beautifully, giving each bite an exciting lift.
Side Dishes
This beef stir-fry pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all that glorious sauce perfectly. You could also serve it alongside savory garlic noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The key is to choose a neutral base that lets the stir-fry’s flavors take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve the Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe in individual mini bowls or over a bed of crispy wonton strips for added texture. Another fun idea is to use colorful lettuce leaves as wraps, turning it into a hands-on meal that’s both fun and fresh. Presentation can make a simple meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a while, but to keep the veggies crisp, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe.
Freezing
While fresh stir-fry is always best, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Transfer the cooled stir-fry to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of some vegetables may soften upon thawing, but the flavors will still be delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your beef stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the beef can become tough and the veggies soggy. A quick toss in the pan preserves the texture and taste nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, flank steak or ribeye can also work well if sliced thinly. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.
What vegetables can I substitute or add to this recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Snap peas, carrots, baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy all make great additions or swaps. Just adjust cooking times to maintain that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan. The same sauce and veggies will work beautifully to create a satisfying plant-based meal.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch mixture can be whisked together beforehand and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick stir before adding to the pan.
How can I make this stir-fry more spicy?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. Fresh sliced chilies work well too for a fiery kick that wakes up the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is a fantastic blend of speed, flavor, and nutrition that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a reliable dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find a new favorite weeknight dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Print
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 fresh vegetables cooked to tender-crisp perfection in a savory soy-hoisin sauce, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the hot skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until it is nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- 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, or until they become tender-crisp while retaining their vibrant colors and crunch.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful stir-fry sauce.
- Add sauce to vegetables: Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and stir well to evenly coat all the veggies with the sauce.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the ingredients.
- Serve hot: Serve the beef stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles as a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or ribeye for a richer flavor.
- Add garlic or ginger for extra aroma and taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Adjust the amount of hoisin sauce to control sweetness.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
