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- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup broccoli florets, cut small - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 inch ginger, freshly grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Cooked rice or noodles for serving - Sesame seeds for garnish - Chopped green onions for garnish When I prepare a quick beef stir-fry, I start with fresh ingredients. The beef sirloin needs to be thinly sliced against the grain. This helps keep it tender. I love using colorful bell peppers. They add flavor and make the dish pop. Broccoli and snap peas are also great choices. They bring a nice crunch and bright color. Next up is the marinade. I mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The soy sauce gives saltiness, while the oyster sauce adds depth. Sesame oil brings a lovely nutty flavor. Marinating the beef for ten minutes makes it even better. For the finishing touches, garlic and ginger are key. They add aroma and taste. I use cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. A little salt and black pepper help enhance all the flavors. Finally, I serve it over rice or noodles. Adding sesame seeds and green onions gives it that perfect crunch and touch. {{ingredient_image_2}} To marinate beef sirloin, start with thin slices. In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the beef to the bowl and stir well. Make sure all pieces are covered. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step adds flavor and tenderness. For a perfect sear, use a hot skillet. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan; this helps browning. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The beef should brown but not fully cook. This adds great flavor. Aromatics like garlic and ginger are key. After searing, keep the skillet hot. Add the remaining vegetable oil. Then, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not burnt. This adds a rich flavor base to your stir-fry. To cook vegetables, add them after the aromatics. Use red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes. Keep them tender-crisp. This means they should be bright and still have some bite. Overcooking makes them mushy. Now, return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring. This will thicken the sauce quickly. Keep stirring for about a minute. Ensure the sauce coats all the beef and veggies. This makes each bite flavorful and delicious. Finally, taste your stir-fry. Add salt and black pepper to enhance flavor. Mix well to combine everything. Serve hot over rice or noodles. For a garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This adds color and a nice crunch. To save time in the kitchen, prep all your ingredients first. Cut the beef and veggies before you start cooking. Marinate the beef while you chop veggies. This way, you can cook fast. Use high heat to quickly sear the beef. Stir-frying keeps the cooking time short. Cook in small batches to avoid steaming the beef. Keeping vegetables crisp is key for a great stir-fry. Cook veggies over high heat for just a few minutes. Stir them often to prevent burning. Bright colors mean they are still fresh. Add veggies in the order of cooking time. Start with the bell peppers, then add broccoli and snap peas. This way, they stay crunchy and tasty. Adding spices and sauces can boost your stir-fry's flavor. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. A splash of rice vinegar adds a tangy touch. You can also mix in hoisin sauce for a sweet twist. If you love garlic, add more minced cloves. Experiment and find what you enjoy! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes if time permits. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. High Heat is Key: Stir-frying over high heat ensures the beef cooks quickly and remains tender, while also giving the vegetables a nice crisp texture. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to make this dish your own! Perfectly Cooked Rice or Noodles: Ensure your rice or noodles are cooked just before serving. This keeps them warm and ready to absorb the delicious stir-fry flavors. {{image_4}} You can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Each choice adds its own charm. For chicken, use thinly sliced breast or thigh. Tofu gives a great vegetarian option. Make sure to press it to remove excess water. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely taste. Adjust cooking times based on your protein choice for best results. Feel free to change up the veggies! Carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms work great. You can also try bok choy or green beans. Think about what you love and what you have. Each vegetable brings a unique flavor and texture. Just remember to cut them evenly for even cooking. You can change the sauce for new flavors. Add chili paste for heat or honey for sweetness. Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. Try adding lime juice for a zesty kick. Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin. Adjust amounts to match your taste. To store leftovers safely, let your beef stir-fry cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. For the best reheating, use a skillet. Heat it on medium. Add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the stir-fry moist. Stir often until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Cover your dish with a lid or a damp paper towel. This helps trap steam and keeps the food from drying out. Yes, you can freeze beef stir-fry! First, cool it completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out any air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave when ready. Cooking beef stir-fry takes about 20 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down: - Prep Time: 10 minutes to marinate and chop. - Cooking Time: 10 minutes to stir-fry everything. The quick cooking time keeps the beef juicy and the veggies crisp. Yes, you can add more veggies for extra flavor. Here are some great options: - Carrots: Cut into thin matchsticks. - Mushrooms: Sliced for a savory touch. - Zucchini: Adds a nice crunch. - Baby corn: For sweetness and texture. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep. Here are some tips: - Cook in Bulk: Make a larger batch to divide into portions. - Store Properly: Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Reheat: Use the microwave or a pan to reheat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Meal prepping helps save time and ensures you have a quick meal ready. For stir-fry, choose tender cuts of beef. Here are some good options: - Sirloin: Lean and flavorful, perfect for quick cooking. - Flank Steak: Great for its beefy taste and tender texture. - Ribeye: Rich in fat, making it extra juicy. If you prefer a different protein, try chicken or tofu for variety! This blog post showed you how to make quick beef stir-fry. We covered main ingredients, key steps, and helpful tips. You learned about marinating beef, perfect searing, and the right cooking techniques. Remember to keep your veggies crispy and explore protein or sauce variations. Follow storage rules to enjoy leftovers safely. With practice, you’ll master this dish and impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this stir-fry your own!

Zesty Beef & Veggie Fiesta

A vibrant stir-fry featuring marinated beef and colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 each red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, cut small
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 inch ginger, freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for serving cooked rice or noodles
  • for garnish sesame seeds
  • for garnish chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches, spreading it out for even cooking. Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Immediately add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant and aromatic.
  • Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors.
  • Return the browned beef to the skillet. Pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to combine until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables. Cook for an additional minute to ensure everything is heated through.
  • Taste your stir-fry and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Give it a final stir to mix the flavors.
  • Serve the zesty beef and veggie stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for an added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the dish in deep bowls with a side of lime wedges and a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds and green onions on top for a burst of color.
Keyword beef, quick meal, stir-fry, vegetables