This beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a flavorful blend of tender beef strips, crisp colorful vegetables, and delectable sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of the beef marinade and the sauce gives it an Asian-inspired flavor that is sure to please. It's served hot with rice, making it a complete, well-balanced meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common and can be found in a typical household pantry. However, for the beef strips, it's recommended to use a good quality, tender cut of beef such as sirloin or ribeye. Also, the recipe uses a few Asian ingredients like soy sauce and sesame seeds. If these are not readily available in your pantry, you can easily find them in the Asian or international aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry
Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and cook the beef. It adds a richness to the dish.
Broccoli floret: Adds a crunchy texture and is packed with nutrients.
Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Carrot: Adds crunch and sweetness to the stir fry.
Bell pepper: Gives a pop of color and sweet flavor.
Chili flakes: Gives a kick of heat to the dish. Can be adjusted according to taste.
Salt: Used to enhance the flavors.
Sesame seed: Used as a garnish and adds a nutty flavor.
Rice: Served as a side. It is a good source of carbohydrates.
Beef strips: The main protein of the dish. They’re marinated for extra flavor.
Corn flour: Used in the marinade to make the beef tender.
Soy sauce: Used in both the marinade and the sauce. It gives a salty, umami flavor.
Beef stock: The base of the sauce. It adds a lot of flavors.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
One reader, Austin Mcghee says:
This beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of tender beef and fresh veggies is simply delightful. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a winner!
Key Techniques for a Perfect Stir Fry
How to marinate the beef: Toss the beef strips with cornflour and soy sauce, ensuring the strips are evenly coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
How to prepare the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the cornstarch and beef stock until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Then, add the soy sauce and brown sugar, mixing well until combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
How to sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the ginger, garlic, sliced carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, then set them aside.
How to cook the beef strips: Add the marinated beef strips to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes, turning constantly to ensure even browning.
How to thicken the sauce: Once the beef is cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Allow the sauce to cook for 2 minutes or until it thickens to the desired consistency.
How to combine the stir-fry: Once the sauce has thickened, add the sautéed vegetables to the skillet and toss them together with the beef and sauce until everything is evenly coated.
How to garnish and serve: Garnish the beef and vegetable stir-fry with roasted sesame seeds and serve it hot with a side of rice. Enjoy the delicious meal!
How To Make Beef Vegetable Stir Fry
Skip the takeout by making our flavorful stir fry recipe at home! It’s easy to make and comes with tasty flavors of beef and crunchy veggies.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspoil
- 2cupsbroccoli floret
- ½tbspgingergrated
- ½tbspgarlicgrated
- 1carrotsliced
- ½cupbell peppersliced, any color
- 1tspred chili flakes
- saltto taste
- roasted sesame seedfor garnishing
- 2cupsricecooked
For Beef Marinade:
- 1lbbeef strips
- 1tbspcorn flour
- 1tbspsoy sauce
For Sauce:
- 1cupbeef stock
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 1tbspsoy sauce
- 1tbspbrown sugar
Instructions
Beef Marinade:
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Add cornflour and soy sauce into the beef strips.
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Toss together to coat and marinate well for 5 minutes.
Sauce:
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Stir cornstarch and beef stock together until cornstarch is dissolved.
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Add soy sauce and brown sugar, then mix well until combined. Set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the oil then add the ginger, garlic, sliced carrots, broccoli florets, and sliced bell peppers into the skillet.
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Saute and set aside.
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Add beef strips in a single layer to the same skillet and cook for 5 minutes, turning constantly to easily brown.
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Add the sauce then bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Once the sauce has thickened, toss in the sauteed vegetables to coat.
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Garnish with roasted sesame seeds, serve hot with rice, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1288.97kcal
- Fat: 27.38g
- Saturated Fat: 6.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.42g
- Carbohydrates: 188.05g
- Fiber: 4.92g
- Sugar: 13.09g
- Protein: 70.58g
- Cholesterol: 142.88mg
- Sodium: 1976.17mg
- Calcium: 143.31mg
- Potassium: 2040.71mg
- Iron: 8.82mg
- Vitamin A: 618.76µg
- Vitamin C: 261.88mg
Crucial Technique for Mastering Stir Fry
To ensure your beef stir fry is tender and flavorful, it's crucial to cut the beef against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the meat easier to chew. Additionally, marinating the beef not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. For an even more tender result, you can use a meat tenderizer or a small amount of baking soda in your marinade. Remember not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough and chewy. Lastly, always preheat your skillet before adding the beef, this will help to sear the meat and lock in the juices.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Stir Fry
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting the cooking process to save time and minimize interruptions.
Prep ahead: Pre-cut and marinate the beef and vegetables the night before or earlier in the day to streamline the cooking process when preparing the stir-fry.
One-pan cooking: Utilize a large skillet or wok to cook the entire dish in one pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean and saving time on cleanup.
High heat: Cook the stir-fry on high heat to quickly sear the beef and vegetables, ensuring that they retain their crispness and flavors while reducing overall cooking time.
Multi-task: While the beef is marinating or the stir-fry is cooking, prepare the rice to have everything ready to serve simultaneously, saving time and ensuring a complete meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Beef Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
beef strips - Substitute with chicken strips: Chicken is a lean and versatile protein that can be used as a substitute for beef in stir-fry recipes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making it a great alternative in this dish.
beef stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for beef stock to create a vegetarian version of the stir-fry. It adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish without the use of meat-based stock.
Presentation Tips for a Delicious Stir Fry
Elevate the plating: Arrange the stir-fry in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the colors and textures of the vegetables and beef are showcased beautifully.
Incorporate garnishes: Sprinkle a few microgreens or edible flowers on top of the stir-fry to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to the dish.
Utilize high-quality serving dishes: Present the stir-fry in porcelain or ceramic serving dishes to enhance the visual appeal and sophistication of the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the dish looks meticulously crafted and well-balanced.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation that highlights the vibrant colors of the stir-fry.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the sauce to create elegant, artistic drizzles on the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the stir-fry with a focus on symmetry and balance, creating a visually harmonious presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stir Fry
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for cutting and slicing meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and turning ingredients while cooking in the skillet.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing and blending ingredients, especially for the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring out ingredients for the marinade and sauce.
- Spatula: Helps in stirring, flipping, and serving the stir-fry.
- Rice cooker: For cooking the rice separately while preparing the stir-fry.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Stir Fry
- Allow the beef and vegetable stir fry to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled stir fry to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Refrigerator storage: The stir fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer storage: The stir fry can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen stir fry in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed or refrigerated stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- If the stir fry appears dry during reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to help rehydrate the ingredients.
- Serve the reheated stir fry over freshly cooked rice or noodles for the best texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Stir Fry
Reheat the beef and vegetable stir fry in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or water to the pan to prevent sticking and help steam the vegetables. Stir frequently until the dish is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover stir fry in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat the beef and vegetable stir fry in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the leftovers evenly on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
For a flavorful twist, add a splash of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce to the stir fry before reheating. This will help revive the flavors and add a delicious umami taste to the dish.
If the leftover stir fry seems dry, add a small amount of beef broth or water to the pan while reheating. This will help create a sauce and prevent the dish from becoming too dry or overcooked.
Interesting Fact About Stir Fry Dishes
The beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender beef strips with a variety of colorful and crunchy vegetables. This dish is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. It's a versatile recipe that allows for customization with different vegetables and seasonings, catering to individual preferences. The stir fry cooking method helps to retain the nutrients in the vegetables, contributing to its health benefits. Additionally, the use of sesame seeds adds a delightful nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the dish.
Is Making Stir Fry at Home Cost-Effective?
This beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as beef, vegetables, and rice, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple seasonings and sauces also keeps the cost down. With a balance of protein and vegetables, it offers a nutritious and satisfying meal for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Stir Fry Healthy?
The beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The inclusion of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of lean beef strips ensures a protein-rich meal without excessive saturated fat. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to enhance the overall healthiness of the dish.
The recipe could be made even healthier with a few simple tweaks:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the beef to minimize added fat
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the dish's salt content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables to boost the nutrient density and fiber content
- Use whole grain rice instead of white rice to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Consider adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch and a dose of healthy fats
By incorporating more vegetables, such as mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy, you can enhance the dish's nutritional value without compromising on flavor. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs and spices, like fresh cilantro or a dash of sesame oil, can add depth to the dish while reducing the need for excessive salt or sugar.
Editor's Opinion on This Stir Fry Recipe
This beef and vegetable stir fry recipe is a delightful combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. The marinade ensures the beef is flavorful and tender, while the sauce adds a rich umami depth to the dish. The use of ginger and garlic infuses the stir fry with aromatic flavors, and the touch of red chili flakes adds a hint of heat. The dish is beautifully balanced and pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying stir fry that is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Why trust this Beef Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with years of experience in beef and vegetable stir-fry. The marinade ensures tender, flavorful beef, while the carefully balanced sauce brings depth and richness. The use of ginger and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth, and the addition of vibrant broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers guarantees a colorful, nutritious meal. With a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience for all.
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