Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish inspired by Asian cuisine. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, then tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce that ties everything together with bold umami flavor.

This stir-fry is perfect for weeknight dinners—it’s light yet satisfying, balanced with protein and vegetables, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Served over steamed rice or noodles, it makes a wholesome and complete meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate combination of flavor, freshness, and speed. The soy garlic sauce gives the beef a rich, savory depth, while the vegetables add crunch and nutrition. It’s a one-pan wonder that doesn’t require complicated steps, yet tastes like restaurant-quality takeout.

It’s also endlessly customizable—you can use seasonal vegetables, adjust the sauce’s sweetness or spice, and even swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutritious & Balanced – Protein-packed beef plus fiber-rich vegetables.
  • Better Than Takeout – Fresher, healthier, and more flavorful.
  • Customizable – Works with different proteins, sauces, or veggies.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – A family favorite that appeals to both kids and adults.

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories: ~360 calories per serving (without rice or noodles)

Cuisine & Course

  • Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-Inspired
  • Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • ½ cup snow peas
  • 2 green onions, chopped

For the Soy Garlic Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening, mixed with 2 tbsp water)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Marinate beef with soy sauce and cornstarch.
  2. Stir-fry beef quickly, then set aside.
  3. Stir-fry vegetables until crisp-tender.
  4. Mix sauce ingredients, pour over vegetables and beef.
  5. Toss everything together and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  • In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil.
  • Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (this tenderizes and flavors the beef).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In another bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and beef broth.
  • Stir in cornstarch slurry and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  • Add beef in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just browned (don’t overcrowd).
  • Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

  • In the same wok, add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and snow peas.
  • Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Return beef to the wok.
  • Pour sauce over beef and vegetables.
  • Stir well and cook until sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).
  • Top with green onions.

How to Serve

  • Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
  • Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a full Asian-inspired meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook beef—it should stay juicy.
  • Cook on high heat for that “stir-fry” smoky flavor.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking; stir-fry goes fast.

Variations

  • Chicken or Shrimp – Swap beef for another protein.
  • Spicy Version – Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes.
  • Vegetarian – Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef.
  • Low-Carb – Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and sauce (without vegetables) for up to 2 months. Add fresh vegetables when reheating for best results.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat; add a splash of water if sauce is too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Sharp knife for slicing beef and vegetables
  • Mixing bowls for marinade and sauce
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Conclusion

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold soy-garlic sauce, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry proves that healthy meals can be delicious, simple, and exciting.

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Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 4 Calories: 360 calories per serving

Description

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish inspired by Asian cuisine. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, then tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce that ties everything together with bold umami flavor.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

For the Vegetables:

For the Soy Garlic Sauce:

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Marinate the Beef : In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil.Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (this tenderizes and flavors the beef).
  2. Step 2: Make the Sauce : In another bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and beef broth.Stir in cornstarch slurry and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook the Beef : Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.Add beef in batches, cooking for 2–3 minutes until just browned (don’t overcrowd).Remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Cook the Vegetables : In the same wok, add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and snow peas.Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Combine Everything : Return beef to the wok.Pour sauce over beef and vegetables.Stir well and cook until sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).Top with green onions.
Keywords: Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Soy Garlic Sauce
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but fresh gives better texture. If using frozen, cook lightly to avoid sogginess.

Q2: What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great choices. Slice thinly for tenderness.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, mix and refrigerate up to 3 days before using.

Q4: How do I keep the beef tender?

Thin slices + quick cooking on high heat + cornstarch marinade = tender beef.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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