You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge like it’s going to magically cook dinner for you? We’ve all been there. That’s why this beef stir fry with vegetables is such a game-changer. It’s fast, simple, and packed with wholesome ingredients you probably already have. Tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a bold homemade sauce — it’s everything we need to turn a chaotic Tuesday into a dinner win.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Weeknights

Weeknights are wild — homework, errands, and the constant “what’s for dinner?” echoing from the other room. This beef stir fry with vegetables is our midweek lifesaver. It goes from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes. There’s one skillet, zero stress, and loads of flavor. You don’t have to be a chef to pull this off, just a human with a pan and a plan.

Health Benefits of Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Let’s talk benefits. First off, this dish is gluten-free and refined sugar-free, so it fits a wide range of diets without skimping on flavor. The beef stir fry with vegetables provides lean protein from the steak, loads of vitamins from the colorful veggie medley, and heart-healthy fats from olive and sesame oil. It’s not just tasty — it’s genuinely good for us.

Ingredients for Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Main Ingredients

To start, grab 1 pound of steak — sirloin, skirt, or flank works perfectly — and slice it thin. Add kosher salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil, and a vibrant combo of carrots, asparagus, bell peppers, and snow peas. These veggies aren’t just colorful; they bring texture, flavor, and a little crunch to every bite.

1 lb steak (sirloin, skirt, or flank), thinly sliced
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
½ lb asparagus, trimmed and chopped
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
6 oz snow peas
2 tbsp sesame seeds

Stir Fry Sauce

Now, let’s talk sauce — the real MVP here. Whisk together soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos), rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, cornstarch, and sesame oil. It’s sweet, savory, tangy, and coats every piece of beef and veg like a dream.

¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos/tamari)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp fresh orange juice
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tsp sesame oil

Preparation Steps

Step One: Slice and Prep

Here’s a pro tip — freeze your steak for about 20–30 minutes before slicing. It firms up just enough to make those thin, perfect strips a breeze. Meanwhile, get all your veggies washed and chopped. Stir fries move fast, so having everything ready beforehand saves time and prevents kitchen chaos.

Step Two: Whisk That Sauce

While the steak chills and the veggies are ready to roll, whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup. Give it a good mix until it’s silky smooth. This simple homemade sauce is what turns a regular stir fry into a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy dinner.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Sear the Steak

Crank up the heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil to your biggest skillet or wok. Once it’s hot, toss in the steak, seasoned with salt and pepper. Let it sizzle for about 3–4 minutes until those thin strips are seared to a perfect medium-rare. Then, set that juicy beef aside on a plate while we move on to the veggies.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. First up, carrots and asparagus. Give them a head start since they take a bit longer to soften. After about 3 minutes, throw in the bell peppers and snow peas. Stir-fry it all together until the veggies are tender but still crisp. Add the garlic last, just for a minute to get that fragrant punch.

Combine & Finish

Now comes the magic moment. Return the steak to the skillet, then give that sauce one more whisk (cornstarch loves to sink). Pour it in and toss everything together. Stir for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and hugs every piece. What you’ve got now is a sizzling, glossy masterpiece of beef stir fry with vegetables.

Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds across the top for a little nutty crunch. Spoon it over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. Trust us, whatever base you pick, it’s going to soak up all that saucy goodness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Base Pairings

This stir fry is super flexible. If we’re feeling classic, we serve it over jasmine rice. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice does the trick. Want to switch it up? Glass noodles or ramen are fun, chewy alternatives that turn this into a slurp-worthy meal.

Craving another hearty dinner idea? Give these a try:

Customization Tips

Mix Up Your Veggies

Don’t be afraid to make this beef stir fry with vegetables your own. Swap in broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or even zucchini. Use what’s fresh, what’s on sale, or what’s hiding in your veggie drawer.

Change the Heat Level

If you’re like us and enjoy a little heat, add a dollop of chili paste or a few dashes of sriracha. Feeling zesty? A touch of grated ginger takes the sauce to another level. Want a twist? Try using a healthy teriyaki sauce instead.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry

We’ve made this dish a hundred times, and here’s what we’ve learned: freeze the steak a bit for cleaner slicing, always prep everything in advance, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Stir fry needs high heat and room to breathe. Cook your vegetables in stages — start with the firm ones and end with the delicate guys.

Need something fancier for your next meal? Check out this showstopper Prime Rib Recipe.

Storage Tips

Leftovers are a win here. Pop them into an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days. The flavor deepens over time, and the sauce keeps everything moist and delicious. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

We love knowing what’s in our food. Each serving of this beef stir fry with vegetables delivers a solid nutritional punch without any of the guilt.

Calories: 409 kcal
Protein: 27g
Fat: 21g
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 18g
Sodium: 599mg
Vitamin A: 428%
Vitamin C: 226%
Iron: 24%

Ingredients

Main:

- 1 lb steak sirloin, skirt, or flank, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots thinly sliced
- ½ lb asparagus trimmed and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 6 oz snow peas
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Stir Fry Sauce:

- ¼ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos/tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

Optional: Freeze steak 20–30 minutes to firm for easier slicing. Slice into thin strips.
Prep all vegetables and whisk stir fry sauce ingredients until combined. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add steak, season with salt and pepper, and sear 3–4 minutes. Remove from pan.
Add remaining oil. Stir fry carrots and asparagus 3 minutes. Add bell peppers and snow peas; stir fry 3 minutes more. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Return steak to skillet. Add stir fry sauce (re-whisked). Cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.

Notes

- Freeze steak slightly for easier slicing.
- Use a large skillet or wok to avoid overcrowding.
- Stir fry vegetables in stages for best texture.
- Customize with broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or ginger for a zesty twist.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

There’s a reason we keep coming back to this dish. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. We can make it spicy or sweet, hearty or light. Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself — this beef stir fry with vegetables always delivers.

So next time you’re standing at the fridge wondering what to cook, remember this recipe. And don’t forget to check out more tasty ideas like our zesty Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce or that cozy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Happy cooking!