This Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and balanced meal that combines tender marinated beef with a variety of vibrant vegetables. Tossed in a savory homemade stir fry sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple family dinner. Serve it over rice or grains for a wholesome meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

12 ounces top sirloin, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
¼ teaspoon white pepper

Stir Fry Vegetables

½ small head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (~1 cup)
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into ⅛-inch strips (~1 cup)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (~1.5 cups)
½ large red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces (~1 cup)
3–4 mushrooms (white button or cremini), thinly sliced (~2 cups)
½ small napa cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces (~2 cups)
Large handful snow peas, ends trimmed (~¾ cup)
4 teaspoons grapeseed oil or high-smoke-point vegetable oil
Kosher salt and white pepper to season

For the Stir Fry Sauce

¾ cup beef stock
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

For Serving (Optional)

Cooked white rice or preferred grain
Thinly sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and white pepper. Let it rest at room temperature while preparing the vegetables.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix beef stock, cornstarch, brown sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Heat the remaining sesame oil in a small pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the sauce mixture and cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and broccoli, lightly season with salt, and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until softened slightly. Remove and set aside.
- Add another teaspoon of oil to the pan. Stir fry red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, cabbage, and snow peas for 3 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Beef and Combine:
- Heat the remaining oil in the pan. Add marinated beef, shaking the pan to separate slices. Cook until browned.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and return vegetables to the skillet. Toss everything together, cooking for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.
Serve: Spoon stir fry over cooked rice or grains. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

Servings: 4

Calories: 291 kcal
Total Fat: 10.4g (13%)
- Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 50.3mg (17%)
Sodium: 980.3mg (43%)
Total Carbohydrates: 24.4g (9%)
- Dietary Fiber: 5.3g (19%)
- Sugars: 11g
Protein: 25.1g (50%)
Vitamin A: 194µg (22%)
Vitamin C: 83.2mg (92%)

Enjoy this wholesome and flavorful stir fry packed with protein and vibrant veggies!

Why Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry is a Crowd-Pleaser

One of the reasons Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry is so beloved is its ability to cater to diverse palates. The dish strikes a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and umami flavors, thanks to the carefully crafted stir fry sauce. The beef is marinated for enhanced tenderness and infused with subtle aromatics, while the vegetables add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness.

The visual appeal of the dish cannot be overlooked either. With its medley of colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas, it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Served over steaming rice or hearty grains, this dish brings a comforting warmth to any meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

This dish is not just flavorful—it’s packed with nutritional benefits that make it a healthy choice for the whole family:

Beef: Top sirloin provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It is also a rich source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support energy production and overall health.
Vegetables: The assortment of vegetables in this recipe delivers an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Broccoli and snow peas are excellent sources of vitamin C, while carrots are packed with beta-carotene.
Low Fat and High Fiber: This recipe uses a minimal amount of oil and is loaded with fiber-rich vegetables, making it a heart-healthy option.
Homemade Sauce: By preparing the sauce from scratch, you can control the sodium and sugar levels, ensuring a healthier dish compared to store-bought stir fry sauces.

What Makes the Stir Fry Sauce Special

The sauce is the heart of any stir fry, and this recipe’s sauce is no exception. It’s a perfect blend of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, aromatic sesame oil, and umami-packed oyster sauce. A touch of beef stock adds depth, while cornstarch thickens the sauce to a silky consistency, ensuring it coats every piece of beef and vegetable beautifully.

The inclusion of garlic enhances the sauce’s fragrance, while the sesame oil contributes a nutty, earthy undertone. This sauce ties all the components of the dish together, creating a cohesive, flavorful experience.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry Execution

Achieving the perfect stir fry involves a few simple yet essential techniques:

Prep Everything in Advance: Stir frying is a fast cooking method, so it’s crucial to have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start. This ensures smooth cooking and prevents overcooking.
Marinate the Beef: Marinating the beef in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor. The cornstarch also creates a velvety texture when cooked.
Use High Heat: Stir frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while retaining their texture and flavor. Use a wok or a large skillet to provide ample space for tossing the ingredients.
Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pan, cook the beef and vegetables in batches. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Layer the Vegetables: Start with vegetables that take longer to cook, such as carrots and broccoli, and add softer vegetables like mushrooms and snow peas later.

Pairing Suggestions for Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

While the stir fry is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal:

Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier, whole-grain option, these pair wonderfully with the dish.
Noodles: Serve the stir fry over rice noodles or egg noodles for a fun twist.
Soup: Start the meal with a light soup, such as miso or egg drop soup, to round out the flavors.

Customizing Your Stir Fry

One of the great things about stir fry recipes is their adaptability. Here are some ideas for customizing your Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry:

Protein Substitutes: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Vegetable Variations: Experiment with vegetables like bok choy, green beans, zucchini, or asparagus for different textures and flavors.
Add Heat: If you enjoy spice, add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies to the sauce for an extra kick.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve the stir fry on a bed of cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Why Stir Fries Are a Home Cook’s Best Friend

Stir fries are a staple in many households for good reason. They’re quick, versatile, and allow you to use up leftovers creatively. This Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry is a prime example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.

The minimal cooking time preserves the nutrients in the vegetables, while the bold flavors make it enjoyable for all age groups. Plus, the one-pan cooking method minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and nutrition. Its quick preparation and adaptable ingredients make it a go-to dish for home cooks looking to balance convenience with taste. The tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce create a harmonious dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

Whether you’re serving it over rice for a comforting dinner or customizing it with your favorite ingredients, this stir fry is guaranteed to impress. Add it to your weekly rotation, and enjoy a dish that brings the joy of cooking and dining together in every bite.