If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a satisfying mix of textures, look no further than this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly without sacrificing that homemade touch. Tender strips of beef paired with crunchy bell peppers, fresh broccoli, and crisp snow peas create a delightful combination that’s finished off with a savory, glossy sauce. Whether you’re a stir-fry pro or a first-timer, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and brighten your dinner table in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to a stellar stir-fry. Each component plays a crucial role, lending flavor, texture, and a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose sirloin for its tenderness and rich flavor, sliced thinly to cook quickly and evenly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A heart-healthy oil perfect for high-heat cooking and bringing a subtle fruity note.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a vibrant red hue for visual appeal and crunch.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Packed with nutrients and a fresh bite that balances the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 cup snow peas: Their crisp texture brings a lovely snap to the medley of veggies.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The umami backbone that provides depth and saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Offers a touch of sweetness and complexity with a hint of spice.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your thinly sliced beef sirloin. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The key here is to avoid crowding the pan, so the beef sears beautifully rather than steams. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside – it’ll come back later for the final mix.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the bright red bell pepper slices, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender but still have that perfect crispness. These veggies bring fresh crunch and a colorful contrast to the savory beef, so don’t overcook them – keeping that texture is essential.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Cornstarch might sound simple, but it’s the magic behind giving that luscious, clingy texture to the sauce, making sure every bite is coated and delicious.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Pour your freshly made sauce over the veggies in the skillet and stir to coat everything evenly. Then, return the beef to the skillet and toss it all together one more time. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to meld beautifully. At this stage, your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is just about ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra burst of flavor and a bit of flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top right before serving. If you like a touch of heat, a light drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten things wonderfully. These simple touches elevate your dish from everyday to memorable.
Side Dishes
Beef stir-fry pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant noodles. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly, while noodles add a chewy, satisfying complement. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or fresh spring rolls to balance out the warm richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your stir-fry family-style in a large shallow bowl, letting everyone dig in and enjoy the vibrant mix? For individual portions, try plating on a bed of coconut rice or inside lettuce cups for a fresh twist. Presentation is the cherry on top, making this casual dish feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing to preserve the texture of the vegetables and beef.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the vegetables when you can. Frozen stir-fry often has a softer vegetable texture upon reheating, so freezing is best for the sauce and beef if you’re planning to reassemble the dish later.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly without drying out the beef. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the beef tough and vegetables mushy. Adding a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce can revive the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye strips also work well. Just slice thinly against the grain for the most tender bite.
What can I substitute for snow peas if I don’t have any?
Snap peas or thinly sliced green beans make excellent substitutes. They bring similar crunch and freshness that complements the stir-fry perfectly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetarian hoisin sauce options. The sauce and vegetable stir-fry technique remain the same, yielding a delicious plant-based meal.
How spicy is this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe?
This recipe is mild and focuses on savory and slightly sweet flavors. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add fresh chili peppers or chili sauce to your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! Cook the beef and make the sauce, store separately from the vegetables if possible, and combine them when ready to eat. This keeps textures fresh and flavors vibrant for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a well-made stir-fry, and this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe stands out as a quick, tasty, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a personal favorite that balances simplicity with bold flavors, making it easy to pull off a nourishing meal any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it brings color and life to your dinner plate!
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
This quick and flavorful Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables combines tender slices of beef sirloin with colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas, all tossed in a savory soy-hoisin sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup snow peas
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the hot skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is 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, retaining their vibrant color and crunch.
- Prepare the sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Add the sauce to the veggies: Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables with the sauce.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the beef stir-fry hot, over steamed rice or cooked noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or ribeye if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra variety.
- Adjust soy sauce and hoisin sauce amounts to taste for saltiness and sweetness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the vegetables.
