Description
This Simple Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked with colorful bell peppers, crisp broccoli, and fresh carrot in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it combines fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger with a perfectly balanced sesame-infused marinade, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Beef (Sirloin or Flank Steak), thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 2 cups Bell Peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- to taste Green Onions, chopped for garnish
Aromatics & Marinade
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Cooking Oils
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Wash and slice the bell peppers, cut broccoli into florets, and julienne or thinly slice the carrot to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Stir well to create a smooth marinade that will coat the beef and vegetables evenly and help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Heat the Pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering, which ensures a good sear on the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Add the sliced beef in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned on one side; avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing.
- Finish Beef Cooking: Stir the beef and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing it to cook mostly through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the same skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they reach a tender-crisp texture, preserving their vibrant color and crunch.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the beef to the pan with vegetables, pour the marinade over all, and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This step thickens the sauce due to the cornstarch and coats all ingredients nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then serve the stir fry hot, garnished generously with chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to ensure proper browning.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms based on preference.
- The dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
