Indulge in a vibrant beef stir fry that brings together tender beef strips and colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. This dish is not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 300 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 25g carbohydrates, and 5g fiber. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Prepare all vegetables and beef by slicing them thinly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir-fry the beef until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots; stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the beef back to the skillet.
- Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over the mixture; stir well.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and cook for an additional minute before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. You can also use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or zucchini, to make this dish your own.
Serving and Pairings
Beef stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. This dish can be frozen for up to a month; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Cutting beef too thick can lead to chewiness.
- Overcrowding the skillet may result in steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Not preheating the oil can prevent a good sear.
- Adding sauces too early can lead to burnt flavors.
- Using low-quality beef can affect the dish’s tenderness.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate the beef for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Use a wok for authentic stir-fry results.
- Keep ingredients ready to ensure quick cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by adding chili flakes or sauce.
FAQs
What vegetables can I use in beef stir fry?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. The key is to choose vegetables that cook quickly and complement the beef.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just stir-fry when you’re ready to eat.
What kind of beef is best for stir fry?
Tender cuts like sirloin, flank, or ribeye are ideal for stir fry. These cuts cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thinly.
Is beef stir fry healthy?
Yes, beef stir fry can be a healthy meal option, especially when made with plenty of vegetables and lean cuts of beef. It’s also customizable to fit dietary preferences.
How can I thicken the sauce?
You can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) to the sauce during cooking to achieve a thicker consistency.
Conclusion
This beef stir fry is a flavorful and quick dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its colorful ingredients and savory sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out and enjoy a delicious meal that comes together in no time!
Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables and beef by slicing them thinly.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir-fry the beef until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots; stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the beef back to the skillet.
- Pour soy sauce and oyster sauce over the mixture; stir well.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and cook for an additional minute before serving.
