If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and leaves you feeling satisfied, this Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is just what you need. It combines tender slices of beef with crisp, colorful vegetables, all brought to life by a luscious teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, this dish delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this stir fry lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the beef provides protein and a hearty base, the vegetables add freshness and crunch, and the teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its rich, tangy-sweet essence. Using quality, fresh ingredients will elevate this dish to something truly special.
- 1 pound Sirloin or Flank Steak, thinly sliced: Choose tender cuts and slice against the grain for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce: A good-quality sauce ensures your stir fry has that perfect authentic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Ideal for stir-frying due to its high smoke point and neutral taste.
- 1 red and 1 green Bell Pepper, sliced: These add beautiful pops of color along with a natural sweetness that complements the beef.
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets: Nutrient-rich and fantastic at soaking up those savory teriyaki notes.
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned: Adds a lovely, subtle sweetness and a bit of bite.
- 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped: Used as a fresh garnish, offering mild onion flavor and a burst of green.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that deeply satisfying aromatic base.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated: Brings a bright, zesty kick that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Beef
Start by slicing your sirloin or flank steak against the grain into thin, even strips about ¼ inch thick. This technique is key to ensuring each bite is tender and easy to enjoy.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Toss the sliced beef in your teriyaki sauce, making sure every piece gets a good coating. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this step infuses the meat with amazing flavor and helps keep it juicy during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef marinates, wash and chop your bell peppers into thin slices. Break the broccoli into bite-sized florets and julienne the carrot into slender strips. Keep the green onions separate for garnishing later—they’ll add a fresh finish to the dish.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step unlocks their powerful aromas that form the flavorful foundation of the stir fry.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. This initial sear caramelizes the sauce and meat, creating those beautiful browning effects. Afterward, stir and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the beef is no longer pink.
Step 6: Set Beef Aside and Cook Vegetables
Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm. Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they become vibrant and just tender, locking in that satisfying crunch.
Step 7: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the beef to the skillet along with any leftover teriyaki sauce. Give everything a good stir to meld all those rich flavors together. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure every bite is perfectly heated and coated.
Step 8: Taste and Garnish
Give the dish a taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish with the chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds to add fresh color and a delightful crunch before serving.
How to Serve Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped green onions are a classic topping that adds brightness and a mild punch. Toasted sesame seeds create a lovely contrast in texture and bring a subtle nutty note that complements the stir fry perfectly. Don’t shy away from adding these—they make the dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when paired with a simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, whose light floral aroma balances the rich teriyaki sauce beautifully. For a lower-carb option, try serving it atop cauliflower rice or alongside steamed noodles, which soak up the sauce just as well and add extra comfort to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun and flair, serve the stir fry in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held version perfect for casual dinners or parties. You might also try plating it in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a wedge of lime for a tangy twist. Wrapping the beef and veggies in warm tortillas or flatbreads turns this dish into a satisfying fusion taco you and your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
This stir fry can be frozen, but for best texture, it’s a good idea to slightly undercook the vegetables before freezing so they don’t get too soft when reheated. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and prevent the beef from drying out. You can also microwave, covered, but be mindful to heat in short bursts to keep everything tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or even skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly and against the grain to avoid toughness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating it just like the beef. You can also increase the amount of vegetables or add mushrooms to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch?
Definitely. Homemade teriyaki sauce typically blends soy sauce, mirin or sake, sugar, and ginger. Making your own lets you adjust sweetness and saltiness to your taste, giving your stir fry a personalized touch.
What’s the best way to achieve crispy vegetables without overcooking?
Stir-frying on high heat for a short time is key. Make sure your pan is hot before adding vegetables and keep them moving so they cook evenly. This method locks in their natural crunch and vibrant color.
Can I prep ingredients the day before?
Yes, you can slice the beef and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Keep everything stored separately in the refrigerator and marinate the beef just before cooking to ensure freshness and optimal flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe truly is a gem for anyone who loves quick, delicious meals that don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition. It’s approachable enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough to make guests swoon. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a regular part of your dinner lineup—you’re going to love how fast it comes together and how deeply satisfying every bite is!
Print
Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Simple Teriyaki Beef Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of sirloin or flank steak marinated in savory teriyaki sauce, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and julienned carrots. Enhanced with garlic, fresh ginger, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this nutritious meal is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound Sirloin or Flank Steak, thinly sliced (against the grain)
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 red Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 green Bell Pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned
- 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the sirloin or flank steak against the grain into thin strips about ¼ inch thick; place them in a medium bowl.
- Marinate the Beef: Pour ½ cup of teriyaki sauce over the sliced beef, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and slice the red and green bell peppers. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Julienne the carrot. Set the chopped green onions aside for garnish.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer to the skillet. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.
- Finish Cooking the Beef: Stir-fry the beef for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Remove Beef: Transfer the cooked beef out of the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking. Add more oil to the skillet if needed for the vegetables.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they are vibrant in color and slightly tender yet crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with any remaining teriyaki sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
- Be sure to slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil to prevent burning during stir-frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking beef to ensure proper searing.
- This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice or noodles.
- Optional: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
