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Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

Quick and flavorful beef stir fry with colorful vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce, ready in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir frying
  • 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1/2 cup snap peas ends trimmed
  • 2 green onions chopped for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional for garnish
  • Steamed rice for serving

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Plate for cooked beef

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them. For easier slicing, pop the beef in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer without crowding. Let sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. The beef should be browned but slightly pink in the center. Flip, cook 1 minute more, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Add remaining oil to the hot pan. Toss in carrots and cook 1 minute, then add bell pepper and broccoli. Stir-fry everything together for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp with bright colors and light char marks.
  5. Add snap peas to the pan and stir-fry 2 minutes more until bright green and tender but still crisp.
  6. Return the beef to the pan along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything vigorously for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats the beef and vegetables evenly and reduces slightly. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

For best results, slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming. Let beef develop a crust before flipping. Vegetables should retain some crispness. Customize vegetables based on what you have available.