Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef stir-fry with colorful veggies is a vibrant and healthy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal anytime you’re craving something nutritious and satisfying. The tender beef is stir-fried with a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures. Packed with vitamins from the veggies and protein from the beef, this stir-fry is as delicious as it is nutritious. Plus, it’s customizable—you can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste. Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

Beef Stir-Fry with Colorful Veggies Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/4 cup water or beef broth
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. This helps ensure the beef stays tender when cooked. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). Add water or beef broth and mix until smooth. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine the Beef and Sauce: Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or even bok choy to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: Add a bit of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Chicken Stir-Fry: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version.
Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use firm tofu instead of beef. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a pan over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, other cuts like ribeye, strip steak, or skirt steak work well for stir-frying. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef, vegetables, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just stir-fry the ingredients together.

Can I add more sauce to the stir-fry?

Absolutely! If you like a more saucy stir-fry, simply increase the amount of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and broth or water. You can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

Is this stir-fry suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this stir-fry is perfect for meal prep! Simply divide it into containers and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a wok?

Yes, a non-stick pan will work fine for stir-frying. However, a wok allows for even heat distribution and better results when cooking at high temperatures.

How do I keep the beef tender in a stir-fry?

To ensure the beef stays tender, make sure not to overcook it. Thinly slicing the beef and cooking it quickly on high heat helps keep it tender and juicy.

Can I make this stir-fry in a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is not ideal for stir-fry, you can adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker by adding all the ingredients (except for the cornstarch and sesame oil) and cooking on low for 4-5 hours. However, stir-frying the beef and vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker can still help improve the flavor and texture.

What kind of rice is best for this stir-fry?

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice works best with stir-fry dishes, as it absorbs the sauce well and adds a fragrant element to the meal.

Can I use a different protein instead of beef?

Yes, you can use chicken, shrimp, Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the different proteins.

Conclusion

Beef stir-fry with colorful veggies is a quick, easy, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. With its vibrant mix of vegetables and tender beef, it offers a satisfying and balanced meal in one dish. Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can adjust the sauce, swap the veggies, or add extra spices to match your personal taste. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that the whole family will love!

Chef MARTHA