When it comes to quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dinner recipes, nothing beats a sizzling beef stir fry with vegetables. This dish combines tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that coats every bite perfectly. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the kind of recipe that’s both weeknight-friendly and elegant enough to serve for guests.
If you’re tired of repetitive meals and want to add excitement to your table, this beef stir fry will quickly become one of your go-to dinner recipes.
Ingredients
To prepare this beef stir fry with vegetables, you’ll need fresh, simple, and wholesome ingredients:
For the Stir Fry
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1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak – thinly sliced against the grain
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 medium carrot, julienned
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1 zucchini, thinly sliced
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1 small onion, sliced
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
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1/2 cup beef broth or water
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnishes (Optional)
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Sesame seeds
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Fresh chopped green onions
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Lime wedges
Required Kitchen Tools
To make this dinner recipe quick and easy, gather these tools:
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Sharp chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Wok or large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons and cups
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Small whisk (for sauce)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Place in a small bowl and lightly toss with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate while prepping the vegetables.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Wash and chop the vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and keeps the stir fry colorful and attractive.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Beef
Heat a wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then quickly sear the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from wok and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the wok. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, then add onions, carrots, broccoli, peppers, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
6: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the beef to the wok. Pour in the sauce, stirring until the beef and vegetables are coated evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
7: Serve
Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Beef Stir Fry
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Cut Beef Properly – Slice against the grain for tenderness.
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High Heat is Key – Stir frying works best when cooked quickly over high heat.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook beef in batches to avoid steaming.
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Customize Veggies – Swap in snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for variety.
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Meal Prep Friendly – Chop vegetables and prep sauce ahead of time to save minutes on busy weeknights.
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Turn it Low-Carb – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Nutritional Value (per serving, approx. 1 cup stir fry without rice)
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Calories: 290
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Protein: 26 g
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Carbohydrates: 18 g
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Sugars: 8 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 650 mg
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Why Beef Stir Fry is One of the Best Dinner Recipes
This beef stir fry with vegetables isn’t just delicious—it’s also:
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Quick and Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
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Nutritious – Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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Customizable – Works with any vegetables or sauces you prefer.
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Family-Friendly – Loved by both adults and kids.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
When thinking of dinner recipes that balance health, flavor, and convenience, beef stir fry is always a winning choice.
Variations
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Spicy Beef Stir Fry – Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat.
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Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry – Swap the sauce for teriyaki glaze.
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Ginger Beef Stir Fry – Double the fresh ginger for a bolder flavor.
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Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry – Replace half the veggies with shiitake mushrooms.
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Asian Fusion Style – Add Thai basil or coconut milk for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
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Over Steamed Rice – Classic pairing that soaks up the sauce.
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With Noodles – Try soba, lo mein, or even spaghetti for a hearty twist.
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As a Low-Carb Bowl – Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed cabbage.
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Meal Prep Lunches – Divide into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go meals.
Why This Recipe Ranks Among the Best Dinner Recipes
In today’s fast-paced world, many people search for dinner recipes that are quick, flavorful, and wholesome. This beef stir fry with vegetables checks all the boxes:
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It saves time on busy weeknights.
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It’s versatile enough for picky eaters.
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It offers balanced nutrition.
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It delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.
That’s why this dish stands out among other dinner recipes—it’s reliable, customizable, and simply irresistible.
Conclusion
If you’re on the hunt for easy, flavorful, and family-approved dinner recipes, this beef stir fry with vegetables is a must-try. The combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce makes it a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Skip the takeout and create your own stir fry at home—you’ll save money, eat healthier, and enjoy fresher flavors. Try this recipe tonight and see why it deserves a permanent spot in your weekly dinner recipes rotation.