The Ultimate Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Quick, Savory Weeknight Classic

There is something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. My Sauté de Boeuf et Légumes (Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry) served over fluffy white rice is exactly that. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone just looking for a healthy, protein-packed dinner after a long day, this recipe is a game-changer.

I’m Jason Griffith, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of food writing, it’s that the secret to a great stir-fry isn’t just the heat—it’s the preparation. By marinating the beef and having your sauce ready to go, you transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this beef sauté a permanent fixture in my meal rotation is its versatility. You get tender, savory strips of steak paired with the crunch of vibrant broccoli and carrots, all tied together by a glossy, umami-rich sauce.

Much like my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, this dish is a complete meal in one. It balances protein, fiber, and carbohydrates perfectly. Plus, the “velveting” technique—using a bit of cornstarch in the marinade—ensures the beef stays incredibly tender, even when cooked over high heat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef & Marinade

• 1/2 lb Steak (Sirloin or Flank): Sliced thinly against the grain.
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: For that essential salty base.
• 1 tsp Cornstarch: This is the “secret weapon” for tender meat.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil (Optional): Adds a beautiful toasted aroma.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce: Low sodium is a great choice here.
• 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce or Hoisin: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
• 1 tsp Garlic: Freshly minced for the best flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Ginger: Grated fresh or ground.
• 1/2 tsp Honey or Brown Sugar: To balance the salt.
• 1 tbsp Water: To help the sauce coat everything evenly.

The Vegetables

• 1 cup Broccoli Florets: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 large Carrot: Cut into matchsticks (julienned).
• 1/4 Yellow Bell Pepper: Thinly sliced for a pop of color.

The Perfect Base

• 1 cup Jasmine or Long-Grain White Rice
• 2 cups Water
• Pinch of Salt

Swaps and Notes

• Protein: If you aren’t feeling beef, you can easily swap in chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian version, extra-firm tofu or tempeh works beautifully.
• Vegetables: Feel free to clear out your crisper drawer! Snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy are excellent additions. If you love a vegetable-forward dinner, you might also enjoy my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage.
• The Rice: If you’re in a rush, a 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap can act as a low-carb vessel for the stir-fry instead of rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice

Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a small pot, bring the rice, water, and salt to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

2. Marinate the Beef

While the rice is simmering, toss your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This short marination period allows the cornstarch to create a protective barrier, keeping the juices inside the meat.

3. Sear the Steak

Heat a tablespoon of high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable or canola) in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the pan is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes. You want them to be “crisp-tender”—bright in color but still with a slight bite.

5. Bring it All Together

Add the beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour your whisked sauce mixture over the top. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes over medium-high heat. The sauce will thicken slightly and become glossy, beautifully coating every piece of beef and broccoli.

Tips for Success

• Slice Against the Grain: When prepping your steak, look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. This breaks up the fibers and makes the meat much easier to chew.
• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is meant to be fast. Ensure your pan is very hot before adding the meat to get that perfect sear without boiling the beef in its own juices.
• Prep Everything First: Once you turn on the stove, things move quickly. Have your vegetables chopped and your sauce mixed before you start cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve a generous portion of the beef sauté over a bed of the fluffy jasmine rice. For a complete experience, I recommend pairing this savory dish with something bright and cold to cleanse the palate.

• Drink Pairing: A tall glass of Blueberry Lemonade provides a refreshing, tart contrast to the salty soy and ginger flavors.
• Appetizer Pairing: If you’re feeding a larger group, start the meal with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun, fusion-style appetizer spread.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This recipe makes fantastic leftovers!

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwave also works well (2 minutes, stirring halfway through).
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef and vegetables for up to 2 months, though the vegetables may lose some of their crispness upon thawing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g

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Final Thoughts

This Sauté de Boeuf et Légumes is proof that you don’t need a lot of time to create a meal that is both healthy and indulgent. It’s a versatile canvas for whatever ingredients you have on hand, and it never fails to satisfy those takeout cravings.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. Don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more easy weeknight dinner inspiration!