Beef Stir-Fry
A vibrant beef stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables and savory sauces, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. The tender strips of sirloin combine with broccoli, snow peas, and water chestnuts, all coated in a rich soy-based sauce. Ideal for those craving a balanced, nutritious dish with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless sirloin steak ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- Cooking spray (vegetable) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 large onion, quartered ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, sliced diagonally ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips
- 1/2 pound fresh snow peas ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim fat from the steak and cut across the grain into strips.
- Combine water, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. Set aside.
- Coat a wok or skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high for 2 minutes.
- Add the steak and stir-fry about 3 minutes until browned.
- Remove the meat from the wok and set aside.
- Add onion, celery, mushrooms, green pepper, and sliced water chestnuts to the pan drippings in the wok.
- Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the cooked meat, broccoli florets, and snow peas to the wok.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce mixture and cook on medium, stirring constantly until bubbly.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender stir-fry, slice the beef against the grain and marinate it briefly in the sauce mixture before cooking. You can substitute the sirloin steak with flank steak or even chicken for a different flavor. If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce to the vegetables. This dish is inspired by various Chinese recipes, making it a versatile option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or a light Asian salad for added freshness. For a more substantial dish, consider serving it alongside Beef With Broccoli or other vegetable stir-fries to create a colorful and nutritious spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the beef stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the vegetables crisp and the beef tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Stir-Fry contains roughly 635 calories, with 23g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2367mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in the stir-fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this beef stir-fry for convenience. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer to the wok, and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated through and tender-crisp. This can save preparation time while still delivering delicious results.
What can I serve with this beef stir-fry?
This beef stir-fry is great on its own, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with jasmine rice or fried rice. For a lighter option, serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice. Adding a side of steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad can also complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this beef stir-fry, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the flavors of the sauce well. You can also increase the variety of vegetables used, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or bok choy, to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).