Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Beef
1 pound (454)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (5)
Broccoli
2 cups (480)
Bell Pepper
1 large (186)
Carrot
2 medium (122)
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoon (42)
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoon (30)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (7)
Water
1 cup (240)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
57 oz
(1,610 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Vegetables
150
Soy Sauce
30
Garlic
10
Ginger
5
Vegetable Oil
120
Cornstarch
15
Sugar
20
Salt
5
Pepper
5
Water
0
Totals
610 kcal
Steps
1. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface.
3. Once the oil is hot, add thinly sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add sliced onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add sliced bell peppers and any other desired vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
8. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
9. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together.
10. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
12. Serve the beef and vegetable stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry in American cuisine:
1. Beef:
- Chicken breast or thigh (equal quantity)
- Tofu (firm or extra firm, cubed) - adjust cooking time accordingly
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined) - reduce cooking time to avoid overcooking
2. Soy sauce:
- Tamari sauce (equal quantity)
- Worcestershire sauce (equal quantity) - slightly different flavor
3. Oyster sauce:
- Hoisin sauce (equal quantity) - sweeter flavor
- Teriyaki sauce (equal quantity) - milder flavor
4. Garlic:
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon per clove)
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon per clove)
5. Ginger:
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon per tablespoon)
- Ginger paste (1/2 teaspoon per tablespoon)
6. Bell peppers:
- Zucchini (sliced) - slightly softer texture
- Carrots (julienned) - slightly sweeter flavor
7. Broccoli:
- Cauliflower florets - adjust cooking time as needed
- Green beans (trimmed) - adjust cooking time as needed
8. Mushrooms:
- Portobello mushrooms (sliced) - earthier flavor
- Eggplant (cubed) - softer texture
9. Cornstarch:
- All-purpose flour (same quantity) - may result in a slightly different texture
10. Rice vinegar:
- Apple cider vinegar (same quantity) - slightly different flavor
- White wine vinegar (same quantity) - slightly different flavor
Note: Adjust cooking times and techniques according to the substitute ingredients used.
Pairings
- White rice or brown rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Egg fried rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Garlic green beans
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Pineapple chunks
- Water chestnuts
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions
- Cilantro
- Ginger
- Red bell peppers
- Cashews
- Mandarin oranges
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
- Use a spiralizer to create vegetable noodles instead of regular chopped vegetables for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve the stir-fry in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic and unique presentation.
2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to enhance its flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Add a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking to add a nutty and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry.
- Incorporate a variety of vegetables with different textures, such as crunchy bell peppers, crisp snap peas, or tender baby corn.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality cuts of beef like filet mignon or ribeye for a more tender and flavorful result.
- Add a handful of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or morel, to add an earthy and luxurious touch to the stir-fry.
- Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a decadent and aromatic flavor.
Remember to adjust cooking times and techniques accordingly to ensure the best results with these enhancements. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of beef or substitute with a lean protein source like chicken, turkey, or tofu to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the stir-fry to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Opt for a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas to enhance the nutritional value.
- Use a minimal amount of oil for cooking or consider using a healthier oil option like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Reduce the amount of added sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, or consider using alternative seasonings like herbs, spices, or citrus juice for flavor.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternatives.
- If following a low-carb or keto diet, replace starchy vegetables like carrots or peas with low-carb options like zucchini, cauliflower, or mushrooms.
- To make the dish suitable for vegetarians or vegans, omit the meat and increase the amount of plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
- For individuals with allergies or aversions to certain vegetables, customize the stir-fry with their preferred vegetables while ensuring a balance of nutrients.
- Consider adding additional herbs or spices like ginger, garlic, or chili flakes to enhance the flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or added sugars.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, and trim off any visible fat before cooking.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the stir-fry to boost the nutrient content and fiber. Include a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
- Instead of using a large amount of oil, lightly coat the pan with cooking spray or use a small amount of heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.
- Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the sodium content. Alternatively, use reduced-sodium or homemade stir-fry sauce.
- Consider adding herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and chili flakes for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt or high-sodium sauces.
- Serve the stir-fry over whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Avoid adding excessive amounts of sugar or sweet sauces. Instead, enhance the flavor with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
- If desired, add a source of plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or legumes to make the dish more balanced and nutritious.
- Lastly, control portion sizes to maintain a healthy balance and avoid overeating.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut beef or thinly sliced steak to save time on preparation.
2. Opt for frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to save on chopping and preparation time.
3. Substitute cheaper cuts of beef, such as flank or skirt steak, which still provide great flavor when marinated properly.
4. Prepare the marinade in advance and let the beef marinate overnight for maximum flavor, saving time during cooking.
5. Use a high heat cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, to quickly sear the beef and vegetables.
6. Cook the beef and vegetables separately in batches to ensure they are properly cooked without overcrowding the pan.
7. Consider using a store-bought stir-fry sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time and effort.
8. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles, which are affordable and filling, making the dish more budget-friendly.
9. Utilize seasonings like soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder to enhance the flavors without the need for expensive ingredients.
10. Plan ahead and buy beef and vegetables in bulk when they are on sale, allowing you to save money in the long run.