This easy beef and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dinner made with tender beef, colorful vegetables, garlic, and a simple savory sauce. It is perfect for a busy weeknight meal and can be served with rice or noodles.
This recipe is also a great way to turn simple ingredients into a colorful and satisfying meal. The beef cooks quickly over high heat, while the vegetables stay slightly crisp and add plenty of texture. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil gives the dish a delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb beef, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 small head of broccoli, cut into florets
1 carrot, thinly sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
How to Make Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Before you begin, prepare all of the ingredients and keep them close to the stove. Stir-frying moves quickly, so having everything sliced and ready will make the cooking process much easier.
1. Prepare the beef
Slice the beef into thin strips. Season lightly with black pepper.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables
Add the onion, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the same skillet. Stir-fry for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Make the Sauce
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and vegetables.
6. Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Serving Ideas
This stir-fry is delicious on its own, but it becomes a complete meal when served with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a simple cucumber salad or extra steamed vegetables for a lighter dinner.
For a little extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving. If you enjoy spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce can also give the dish some heat.
Easy Variations
One of the best things about a stir-fry is how easy it is to customize. You can replace the broccoli with green beans, add mushrooms, or include zucchini and snow peas. For a richer sauce, add another small splash of sesame oil at the end.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the final minute of cooking. This will help the sauce cling to the beef and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Tender cuts such as sirloin or flank steak work well when sliced thinly against the grain. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender when the pan is hot.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to cook. For the best texture, cook the stir-fry shortly before serving.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, although fresh vegetables usually provide a better crisp texture. If using frozen vegetables, cook them according to their moisture level and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Tips
Slice the beef thinly for faster cooking.
Keep the heat high to give the vegetables a nice stir-fried texture.
Don't overcrowd the skillet.
Add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or snow peas.
Final Thoughts
This easy beef and vegetable stir-fry is a simple, colorful, and satisfying meal. It comes together quickly and is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful homemade dinner.
Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or simply looking for a flavorful way to use beef and vegetables, this stir-fry is an easy recipe to keep in your collection. Serve it hot with rice or noodles and customize the vegetables to suit your taste.