Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables – Quick 20-Minute Dinner
When you want dinner on the table fast, a stir-fry is hard to beat. This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables combines tender strips of beef with crisp, colorful vegetables in a simple savory sauce. It cooks in one pan, takes about 20 minutes, and tastes like your favorite takeout, only fresher. If you are looking for an easy beef stir fry for busy weeknights, this recipe is a great place to start.
Why this is a Great Meal
Why You'll Love This Recipe: Ready in about 20 minutes, made in one pan so cleanup is easy, full of colorful vegetables and protein, easy to change with whatever veggies you have, tastes better than takeout.
Instructions
- 01
Prep the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain, then toss it with a little soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside for 15–30 minutes.
- 02
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and a splash of water or broth.
- 03
Heat the Pan: Heat a wok or large pan over high heat until very hot, then add cooking oil.
- 04
Sear the Beef: Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- 05
Cook Hard Veggies: Add a little more oil to the pan and stir-fry the carrots and broccoli for 2–3 minutes.
- 06
Add Aromatics & Soft Veggies: Add bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes so vegetables stay crisp.
- 07
Combine Beef & Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture.
- 08
Toss & Thicken: Toss everything continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and thickens slightly.
- 09
Garnish & Serve: Serve piping hot over steamed rice or noodles, sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- ✦Slice the beef thinly against the grain. Freezing it for about 15 minutes makes slicing much easier.
- ✦Keep the heat high, since stir-frying relies on fast cooking.
- ✦Don't crowd the pan. Cook the beef in batches if needed so it sears instead of steams.
- ✦Cut all vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- ✦Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking, because the process moves very quickly.
Need Metric or Gram Weights?
Convert cup measurements to grams using ingredient-specific density factors.
Easy Variations
Easy Vegetable Swaps
Snow peas, mushrooms, bok choy, green beans, baby corn, or zucchini all work well.
Spicy Stir-Fry
Add red chili flakes, chili sauce, or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Chicken or Pork Option
Swap beef for sliced chicken breast or tender pork loin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
A: Flank steak and sirloin work best because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly.
Q: How do I keep the beef from turning tough?
A: Slice it thinly against the grain, don't overcook it, and cook over high heat for a short time.
Q: Can I make this stir-fry spicy?
A: Yes, add red chili flakes, chili sauce, or a little sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, but fresh vegetables give a crisper texture. If using frozen, add them straight to the hot pan without thawing.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: Steamed rice, egg fried rice, or noodles all go well.
Nutrition
Approximate values — meant as a guide, not a verdict.
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