Let me tell you, weeknight dinners can be a real struggle. Between work, errands, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry recipe swooped in and saved the day – and many weeknights since! From the first sizzle in the wok to the last flavorful bite, this dish is a winner. My family absolutely devours it, and I love how quickly it comes together and how packed it is with both flavor and nutrients. The tender beef, vibrant veggies, and savory sauce create a symphony of tastes and textures that are truly satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and lightning-fast dinner solution, look no further. This Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients

To create this incredibly satisfying and nutritious Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry, you’ll need a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients. High-quality beef and a colorful array of vegetables are key to making this dish both delicious and visually appealing. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make approximately 4-6 servings of this power-packed stir-fry:

For the Beef Marinade:

• Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: 1 ½ pounds (approximately 680 grams), thinly sliced against the grain. Sirloin or flank steak are excellent choices for stir-fries because they are relatively lean and tender when sliced thinly. Flank steak should always be sliced against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): ¼ cup (60 ml). Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt content of the dish, while still providing that essential umami flavor. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch helps to tenderize the beef and creates a light coating that helps the sauce cling to the beef during stir-frying. It also contributes to thickening the sauce slightly.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. Rice wine vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the savory and sweet flavors in the stir-fry. It also helps to tenderize the beef.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Toasted sesame oil provides a rich, nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine and enhances the overall taste of the marinade and stir-fry.
• Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon. Ground ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy, and aromatic note to the marinade and complements the other flavors beautifully. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a more intense flavor.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor to the marinade.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): ¼ cup (60 ml). Again, low sodium soy sauce is preferred for controlling salt levels.
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Oyster sauce provides a rich, savory, and slightly sweet umami flavor that is crucial for authentic stir-fry taste. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): 1 tablespoon. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors and creates a glossy finish to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon. A small amount of cornstarch in the sauce helps to thicken it slightly during cooking, creating a luscious coating for the beef and vegetables.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Another touch of sesame oil in the sauce enhances the nutty aroma and flavor.
• Water or Chicken Broth: ¼ cup (60 ml). Water or chicken broth helps to thin out the sauce to the desired consistency and adds moisture to the stir-fry. Chicken broth will add a richer flavor.

For the Stir-Fry:

• Vegetable Oil (High Heat, like Canola or Peanut Oil): 2-3 tablespoons. A high-heat oil like canola or peanut oil is essential for stir-frying because it can withstand high temperatures without smoking, which is necessary for achieving a good sear on the beef and vegetables.
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups. Broccoli florets add a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and a pleasant texture to the stir-fry. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Bell Peppers (Red, Yellow, or Orange): 2 medium, sliced into strips. Bell peppers contribute vibrant color, sweetness, and a crisp-tender texture. Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a variety of nutrients.
• Carrots: 2 medium, thinly sliced or julienned. Carrots add sweetness, crunch, and beta-carotene. Thinly slicing or julienning ensures they cook quickly and evenly in the stir-fry.
• Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: 1 cup. Snow peas or sugar snap peas provide a delicate sweetness and a satisfying snap. They cook quickly and add a lovely visual element to the dish.
• Onion (Yellow or White): 1 medium, sliced. Onion adds a savory base flavor to the stir-fry. Sliced onions cook down and become slightly sweet and tender.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that is fundamental to stir-fries.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated. Freshly grated ginger offers a more vibrant and intense flavor than ground ginger. It adds warmth and spice to the stir-fry.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ – ½ teaspoon (or to taste) for a touch of heat. If you like a little spice, red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick to the stir-fry. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Optional Garnishes: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, cilantro. Garnishes add visual appeal, texture, and fresh flavor to the finished stir-fry.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating this delicious and Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry. The key to a great stir-fry is speed and efficiency, so have everything chopped and measured before you begin cooking. Follow these detailed steps for stir-fry success:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved into the liquid to prevent clumps.
2. Marinate Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Make sure every piece of beef is in contact with the marinade.
3. Marinate Time: Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Marinating the beef tenderizes it and infuses it with flavor, resulting in more succulent and flavorful stir-fry. While the beef marinates, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and water or chicken broth. Again, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
2. Set Aside: Set the stir-fry sauce aside until you are ready to add it to the wok or skillet. Having the sauce pre-mixed makes the stir-frying process smoother and faster.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and Chop Vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, slice the bell peppers and onion into strips, thinly slice or julienne the carrots, and trim the snow peas or sugar snap peas if necessary. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger.
2. Organize Vegetables: It’s helpful to have all the chopped vegetables organized and ready to go before you start stir-frying. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process, as stir-frying happens quickly.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Vegetables

1. Heat Wok or Skillet: Heat a large wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. The wok or skillet needs to be very hot to achieve proper searing and stir-frying.
2. Add Oil: Once the wok or skillet is hot, add the vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up until it shimmers slightly. This is a sign that it’s hot enough for stir-frying.
3. Stir-Fry Beef in Batches: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Stir-fry the beef quickly for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Working in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than seared beef. Remove the cooked beef from the wok or skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can make them bitter.
5. Stir-Fry Onions and Carrots: Add the sliced onions and carrots to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften slightly. These vegetables take a bit longer to cook than others.
6. Add Broccoli and Bell Peppers: Add the broccoli florets and bell pepper strips to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the bell peppers are slightly softened but still have some crunch.
7. Add Snow Peas/Sugar Snap Peas: Add the snow peas or sugar snap peas and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, just until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Snow peas and sugar snap peas cook very quickly.
8. Return Beef to Wok: Return the cooked beef to the wok or skillet with the vegetables.

Step 5: Finish the Stir-Fry

1. Pour in Sauce: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables in the wok or skillet.
2. Stir-Fry and Thicken: Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and evenly coated the beef and vegetables. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate in the heat and create a glossy, flavorful coating.
3. Add Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If using red pepper flakes, stir them in now for a touch of heat.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a bit more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat, according to your preference.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and/or cilantro, if desired. Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot right after cooking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific cuts of beef used, vegetable quantities, brands of sauces, and serving sizes. These values are based on approximate ingredient quantities and standard serving sizes (about 1.5 cups of stir-fry).

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
• Servings Per Recipe: 4-6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving.

Approximate breakdown per serving:

• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams

This Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry is a nutritionally balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the beef, fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and complex carbohydrates if served with rice or quinoa. It is relatively moderate in calories and can be further customized to be lower in sodium and fat by using very low sodium soy sauce and leaner cuts of beef, and reducing the amount of oil used for stir-frying.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry is relatively quick, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown:

• Prep Time (Chopping Vegetables, Slicing Beef, Making Sauce): 20-25 minutes
• Marinating Time: 15-30 minutes (can be done concurrently with vegetable prep)
• Cook Time (Stir-frying): 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes (including marinating time)

If you prep your vegetables and make the sauce ahead of time, the actual cooking process is incredibly fast, making it a truly speedy weeknight meal.

How to Serve Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry

This versatile stir-fry is delicious served in a variety of ways, making it a flexible option for different meals and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to maximize your enjoyment:

• Classic Rice Bowls:
  • Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a classic and satisfying meal. Rice is the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Consider using quinoa or couscous as a healthier grain alternative to rice.
• Noodle Bowls:
  • Serve over cooked Asian noodles like lo mein, chow mein, or udon noodles. Toss the noodles with a little sesame oil for extra flavor before adding the stir-fry.
  • For a lower-carb option, serve over shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles (zoodles).
• Lettuce Wraps:
  • For a lighter and lower-carb meal, serve the stir-fry in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves). This makes a refreshing and healthy option, perfect for warmer weather.
• Topping & Garnish Ideas:
  • Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Chopped Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
  • Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley provide a bright, fresh finish.
  • Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: For those who like extra heat, offer sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side.
  • Peanuts or Cashews: For added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews.

Additional Tips for Perfect Power Beef Stir-Fry

To ensure your Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry is a resounding success every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that signature slightly charred and flavorful result. Make sure your wok or skillet is thoroughly heated before adding oil and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to turn up the heat!
2. Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast cooking method, so it’s crucial to have all your ingredients prepped, chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes the beef marinade, stir-fry sauce, and all the vegetables. Mise en place is essential for stir-fry success!
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the wok or skillet will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the beef and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure they sear properly and cook evenly.
4. Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Cutting the beef and vegetables into uniform sizes ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate in the stir-fry. This is especially important for vegetables like carrots and broccoli, which can take longer to cook.
5. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. Other great vegetables for stir-fries include mushrooms, bok choy, snap peas, zucchini, baby corn, and water chestnuts. Get creative and use what you love!

FAQ Section: Your Stir-Fry Questions Answered

Got questions about making Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the recipe with confidence:

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

A: Yes, you can substitute sirloin or flank steak with other tender cuts of beef suitable for stir-frying, such as ribeye, New York strip, or even tenderloin (though these are more expensive options). Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can also use pre-sliced stir-fry beef to save time.

Q2: Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! To make this stir-fry vegetarian, simply omit the beef and add extra vegetables, or substitute with firm tofu or tempeh cut into cubes. For a vegan version, ensure you use a vegan oyster sauce alternative (such as mushroom-based oyster sauce or hoisin sauce) and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Tofu and tempeh should be pressed to remove excess water and can be marinated similarly to the beef for added flavor.

Q3: Can I adjust the spice level of this stir-fry?

A: Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. For a milder stir-fry, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For a spicier stir-fry, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce or as a garnish. You can also use fresh chili peppers, finely chopped, added with the garlic and ginger.

Q4: Can I make the stir-fry sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights. Just whisk it again before using as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.

Q5: How do I store leftover stir-fry?

A: Leftover Power Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, or in the microwave until heated through. Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious, especially for lunch the next day. The vegetables may soften slightly upon reheating.

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