Zesty Beef & Veggie Fiesta

$- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup snap peas - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked rice or noodles for serving - Sesame seeds for garnish - Green onions, chopped, for garnish The key to a great beef stir-fry is using fresh, quality ingredients. I often choose beef sirloin for its taste and tenderness. Slicing it thin helps it cook fast. Fresh vegetables add color and crunch. I love using red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness and broccoli for a healthy bite. Snap peas add a nice snap and texture. For sauces, soy sauce gives a savory depth. Oyster sauce adds a hint of sweetness and richness. Sesame oil brings a unique aroma. The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce, making it cling to the beef and veggies. When you gather these ingredients, remember that fresh makes all the difference. Enjoying the vibrant colors and fresh scents is part of the fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Marinate the beef: Start by slicing 1 pound of beef sirloin into thin strips. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step adds great flavor to the beef. - Prepare the vegetables: While the beef marinates, wash and slice your veggies. You will need 1 red bell pepper and 1 yellow bell pepper, both sliced. Also, prepare 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 cup of snap peas. Having everything ready makes cooking quick and easy. - Heat oil and cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches. Stir quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns brown. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Cooking in batches helps the beef brown well. - Sauté garlic and ginger: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the aroma. This step boosts the dish's flavor. - Add veggies to the skillet: Now, toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. This keeps them bright and fresh. - Return beef to the skillet: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the veggies. - Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet while stirring. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This final step brings all the flavors together. What cut of beef to choose I recommend using beef sirloin for this dish. It has great flavor and tenderness. Sirloin cooks quickly, making it perfect for stir-fry. You can find it at most grocery stores or butcher shops. Tips for slicing To slice beef easily, freeze it for about 30 minutes. This firms it up, making it easier to cut. Always slice against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy. High heat importance Always use high heat when cooking your stir-fry. This helps sear the beef quickly, locking in flavors. A hot surface also cooks the veggies fast, keeping them crispy. Cooking in batches Cook the beef in batches. This prevents overcrowding in the skillet. When the beef has space, it gets a nice brown color. This makes each bite delicious. Addition of spices Add spices like black pepper and red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also try garlic powder or onion powder. These spices boost the overall flavor of your dish. Alternative sauces and garnishes Feel free to switch up the sauces. You can use teriyaki or hoisin sauce instead. For garnishes, chopped green onions and sesame seeds add a nice touch. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness. For even better results, marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator. High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat ensures that the beef sears quickly, locking in juices and creating a nice texture. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients. Veggie Variety: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more flavor and nutrition to your stir-fry. Perfect Serving: Serve over fluffy rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds to elevate both presentation and taste. {{image_2}} You can easily swap beef for tofu. Tofu absorbs flavor well and adds protein. Choose firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. For veggies, consider using: - Bell peppers - Carrots - Zucchini - Snow peas These veggies not only taste great but also add color. You can mix and match based on what you enjoy or have on hand. Changing the sauce can bring new life to your stir-fry. Teriyaki stir-fry sauce adds a sweet and savory taste. To make it, mix soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of ginger. Spicy Szechuan sauce offers a kick. Combine soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic for heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Here are some to think about: - Mushrooms - Baby corn - Bok choy Seasonal veggies are also a great choice. During summer, use fresh asparagus or cucumbers. In fall, try adding pumpkin or squash. These choices enhance taste and make cooking fun! You can store leftover stir-fry in the fridge. First, let it cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. I recommend using glass containers for easy reheating. They don’t stain and can go from fridge to microwave. The best way to reheat stir-fry is on the stove. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water. This helps steam the dish. Stir it gently to warm through. If using a microwave, cover it loosely to avoid sogginess. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze the stir-fry. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags. Try to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on low power. Just stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. This beef stir-fry is quick to make. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you will spend around 20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. They save time and are convenient. Here are some pros and cons to consider: - Pros: - Frozen vegetables are pre-washed and cut, which saves prep time. - They have a long shelf life and reduce food waste. - Cons: - Frozen veggies may lose some crunch and flavor. - They can release extra moisture, which may affect the sauce. If you choose frozen, cook them a bit longer to ensure they heat through. You can serve this stir-fry with several tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked rice: White or brown rice works well. - Noodles: Rice or egg noodles are great choices. - Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness. - Spring rolls: They add a nice crunch and flavor. These sides will complement your stir-fry and create a full meal. Enjoy! This blog post covered the essential ingredients and steps for a tasty beef stir-fry. From marinating this flavorful beef sirloin to sautéing fresh veggies, each step enhances the dish. I shared tips for choosing the right beef and perfecting your stir-fry skills. Plus, I offered variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. By following these insights, you'll create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own! Happy stir-frying!$

Zesty Beef & Veggie Fiesta

A vibrant stir-fry featuring marinated beef and a colorful mix of vegetables, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
1 unit yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
to taste unit salt and pepper
as needed unit cooked rice or noodles for serving
for garnish unit sesame seeds
for garnish unit green onions, chopped

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the veggies.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, stirring quickly until browned (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and veggies.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving it a final stir.
Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve with cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword beef, quick meal, stir-fry, vegetables