Beef and Vegetable Stir-fry
Tender slices of lean sirloin and crisp, colorful vegetables tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce. This quick and healthy stir-fry is perfect for a light weeknight meal, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 2 servings
Prepare the beef and sauce
- Pat the thinly sliced sirloin dry with paper towels. Season with black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare your vegetables by cutting the broccoli into florets and slicing the bell pepper.
Stir-fry the beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Carefully add the sliced beef in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until just browned but still slightly pink inside.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Stir-fry the vegetables
- Add the broccoli florets to the same hot skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- If the pan becomes too dry, add a tablespoon of water to help steam the vegetables.
Combine and finish the stir-fry
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Give the sauce a quick stir to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it over everything.
- Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it when it's partially frozen. This makes it easier to get thin, even slices.
- 2Mise en place is key for stir-frying. Have all your ingredients chopped and the sauce mixed before you start cooking, as the process is very fast.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in a single layer ensures the beef sears properly rather than steams, giving it a better texture and flavor.
- 4To control the crispness of your vegetables, you can blanch the broccoli for 1 minute before stir-frying to ensure it's cooked through but still has a bite.
- 5Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the beef. A high temperature is crucial for getting a good sear quickly without overcooking the meat.
- 6Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, sliced carrots, or mushrooms.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a sliced red chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
high proteinHigh protein
Substitute beef with chicken breast or shrimp. You can also add a handful of edamame with the vegetables for extra plant-based protein.
low carbLow carb
Serve the stir-fry on its own, with cauliflower rice, or over a bed of zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Sirloin is a lean cut of beef that provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and keeping you full, which aids in weight management.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Broccoli and red bell peppers are excellent sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
High in Fiber
The vegetables in this dish provide dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this stir-fry is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from the sirloin and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the broccoli and bell peppers. Using low-sodium soy sauce and minimal oil keeps it light and suitable for a weight-loss diet.
