When life gets hectic, and your energy is as low as the battery on your phone after a full day’s scroll, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a quick beef stir fry to bring it all back. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you toss vibrant veggies with tender beef—it’s a symphony of flavors ready to rescue your evening. I recently tried this on a whim after a long day, and wow, it was like a delicious whirlwind in just 30 minutes!
Steps
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients: slice the beef into 2-inch strips, cut the red bell pepper into matchsticks, thinly slice the carrots, chop the green onion, and mince the garlic.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry them until they are browned, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Push the beef to one side of the wok and place the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, green onion, and garlic in the center. Stir-fry the vegetables for approximately 2 minutes.
- Combine the beef with the vegetables and season the mixture with soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds. Continue cooking and stirring for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the stir-fry hot, either on its own or over rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 2-inch strips
- 1 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1072 | Total Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 196mg | Sodium: 2104mg | Total Carbohydrate: 36g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 12g | Protein: 92g | Vitamin C: 280mg | Calcium: 368mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 2252mg
FAQ
- What is the best type of beef for a stir-fry?
- Flank steak is commonly preferred for stir-fry dishes, but sirloin, skirt, Denver, or beef chuck can also be used. Beef chuck is a budget-friendly option, but it may require extra trimming to remove tough tissue.
- Can I make beef stir-fry without a wok?
- Yes, you can use a regular skillet if a wok is unavailable. You might need to cook the meat and vegetables in separate batches, but the dish will still turn out delicious.
- What is the key to cooking beef stir-fry effectively?
- Ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding your ingredients so they sizzle immediately upon contact. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, for optimal results.
- Can I modify the vegetables in the recipe?
- Absolutely, you can substitute or vary the vegetables based on what you have on hand. The recipe is flexible and can accommodate different vegetables to suit your taste or pantry stock.
- Is marinating the beef necessary for this stir-fry?
- This recipe doesn’t require marinating as it uses soy sauce for flavoring. However, you can marinate your beef or add a stir-fry sauce if you prefer enhanced flavors.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you begin cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process and requires constant attention.
- Use a wok if possible, as its sloping sides allow for easier stirring and flipping, which helps cook the stir-fry more evenly and quickly.
- Heat the oil thoroughly before adding the beef to ensure a good sizzle and proper browning, which enhances the flavor.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by changing up the vegetables or adding a stir-fry sauce for extra flavor, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Equipment
- Wok – A wok is recommended for making stir-fry due to its sloping sides and ability to cook foods quickly with less oil.
- Carbon Steel Pan – If not using a wok, a carbon steel pan is another good option.
- High-Smoke Point Oil – Oils like canola or peanut oil are suggested for stir-frying, though these are more consumables than equipment.
