Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comes together in a flash, this Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. The tender, marinated flank steak paired with crisp-tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and bright red bell peppers all come alive in a luscious savory brown sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a celebration of simple ingredients done right, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a critical role: the beef brings rich umami and hearty texture, the vegetables add freshness and crunch, and the sauce ties everything together with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes.

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain: Cutting across the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces every time.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
• ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced: Sweetness and bright red hues that awaken your plate.
• ½ cup carrots, sliced into ¼” thick rounds: A naturally sweet vegetable that offers a lovely bite.
• ½ small onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and a bit of pungent depth.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
• ¼ cup water, cold or room temperature: Used to steam and soften vegetables gently during stir-fry.
• Marinade ingredients: Water, cornstarch or potato starch, soy sauce, baking soda, and vegetable oil—each works to tenderize and flavor the beef beautifully.
• Stir-fry sauce ingredients: Garlic, oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative), soy sauces, Shaoxing cooking wine, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and water come together to create the rich sauce that binds everything harmoniously.

How to Make Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing the flank steak slices in the marinade mixture—this step is the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef texture. Be careful not to marinate longer than 25 minutes to avoid a mushy texture. The baking soda in the marinade acts as a tenderizer, making sure each bite is juicy and perfectly tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

While the beef marinates, whisk together the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce in a small bowl. This savory, slightly sweet sauce is the flavor powerhouse of this Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry, so make sure everything is well combined and sugar fully dissolved before moving on.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches so it has enough space to brown properly. Cook until the beef is nicely seared and slightly browned—about 5 to 7 minutes—then remove it from the pan and set aside. This step seals in the flavor and locks in juiciness.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onions, broccoli florets, carrots, and red bell peppers to the pan. Pour in ¼ cup of water to create some steam, which helps cook the vegetables while preserving their crispness and vibrant colors. Stir-fry until the water evaporates, approximately 1 minute—this keeps your vegetables tender but still delightfully crunchy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the vegetables and simmer gently until it thickens slightly. Then, add the cooked beef back to the pan and toss everything together thoroughly so every morsel is coated in that irresistible sauce. Now your Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry

Garnishes

For a simple yet stunning finish, sprinkle chopped fresh green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. These garnishes add an extra layer of flavor and a bit of textural contrast that makes each mouthful more exciting.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry shines served over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up all that saucy goodness. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or even pair it with noodles for a comforting twist. Either way, the side will complement and balance the hearty beef and crisp vegetables perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or jazz up a casual meal? Serve your Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry in individual mini woks or stylish bowls, and add a wedge of lime for a zesty brightness. Alternatively, wrap the stir-fry in warm lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld option that’s fun to eat and bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The flavors tend to develop further after a day, making the next-day meal even more delicious. Consume within 3 days for the best texture and freshness.

Freezing

This Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that some vegetables may soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen stir-fry overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and keep everything moist. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can make the vegetables mushy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or ribeye thinly sliced against the grain also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times if needed to avoid toughness.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing cooking wine?

No worries! You can substitute with dry sherry or even chicken stock for a non-alcoholic option. It adds that subtle depth without compromising flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom-based stir-fry sauce. The mix of vegetables and sauce will still shine as a hearty plant-based meal.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp and not soggy?

The trick is the short cook time combined with adding a small amount of water to steam rather than boil the veggies. Stir-frying on medium heat and working quickly ensures they remain crunchy and colorful.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry is mild and savory as written. If you love spice, feel free to add chopped fresh chili, chili flakes, or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking for a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and manages to be both wholesome and comforting. This Quick & Easy Beef Vegetable Stir-Fry hits all those marks and more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a speedy dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe is worth making again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!

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