If you are craving a flavorful, colorful, and quick dinner, this Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful combination of tender, juicy beef strips and crisp, vibrant vegetables all coated in a luscious teriyaki glaze that delivers both sweetness and a hint of savory depth. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal that feels a bit special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this dish brings together fresh ingredients to create a mouthwatering symphony of tastes and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first secret to making this Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe sing. Every item plays an important role, from the beef’s tenderness to the bright crunch of fresh vegetables and the rich, glossy teriyaki sauce that ties it all together.
- 1 pound Sirloin or Flank Steak, thinly sliced: Choose cuts sliced against the grain to keep your beef tender and juicy.
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce: A quality sauce will elevate your stir fry with perfect balance between sweet and savory.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point to get a good sear without burning.
- 1 red and green Bell Peppers, sliced: These add vibrant color and a gentle natural sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets: Nutrient-rich and with a sturdy texture that soaks up sauce beautifully.
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely crisp bite.
- 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped: For garnish, they provide a fresh and mild onion flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional): These add a nutty crunch that is such a satisfying finishing touch.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for the rich aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated: Provides a zesty kick that livens up the entire dish.
How to Make Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your sirloin or flank steak thinly against the grain. This slicing method ensures maximum tenderness, so each bite melts in your mouth rather than feeling tough or chewy. Place the slices in a bowl and set them aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef strips, making sure each piece is fully coated. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes. Marinating not only infuses the beef with flavor but also helps it caramelize beautifully during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef marinates, wash and chop your vegetables: slice the bell peppers, break the broccoli into bite-sized florets, and julienne the carrot into slender sticks. Set the green onions aside for garnishing after cooking.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Use a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high heat. When hot, add the vegetable oil and wait until it’s shimmering. This prepares the pan to cook your ingredients quickly and give them a wonderful sear.
Step 5: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until they release their fragrant aromas. These aromatics lay the foundation of flavor for the entire stir fry.
Step 6: Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for around 2 minutes to get a nice caramelized edge. Then stir and continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 7: Remove Beef and Stir-Fry Vegetables
Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside. If needed, add a little more oil, then add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry these for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly while still retaining some crunch and their vibrant colors.
Step 8: Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the skillet along with any leftover teriyaki sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so all the flavors meld perfectly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—sometimes a splash more sauce or a pinch of salt makes all the difference!
How to Serve Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These add a pop of color and a satisfying texture that transform your dish from everyday meal to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or brown rice for a healthy whole grain option. You can also enjoy it alongside noodles or even quinoa to switch things up and add extra protein and fiber.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your teriyaki beef and vegetables over a bed of cauliflower rice or use lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb, fresh presentation. Another idea is to plate it family-style in a large bowl for a casual, cozy dinner with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop and deepen after a day, making for an even tastier meal the next time.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat so the beef stays tender and the vegetables don’t overcook. You can add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep everything moist and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are perfect for tenderness, you can also try skirt steak or ribeye, just be sure to slice thinly and against the grain.
Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Many store-bought teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which has gluten. Look for gluten-free labels or make your own sauce using tamari for a gluten-free version.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini—any veggies you love or have on hand will work well in this stir fry.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha if you want some heat.
Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and adjust cooking times to achieve a nice golden texture on your protein.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Simple Teriyaki Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings so much joy and comfort in every bite. It’s quick, colorful, packed with flavor, and always leaves you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, it’s a go-to that never disappoints.
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: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Simple Teriyaki Beef Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender slices of sirloin or flank steak marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce and stir-fried with fresh bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and optional sesame seeds, this dish is both vibrant and nutritious with an Asian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound Sirloin or Flank Steak, thinly sliced (sliced against the grain for tenderness)
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce (quality sauce enhances flavor)
Vegetables
- 1 red and green Bell Peppers, sliced (adds color and sweetness)
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets (rich in nutrients and absorbs flavors)
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned (adds natural sweetness)
- 2 stalks Green Onions, chopped (for garnish and mild onion flavor)
Aromatics and Oil
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (high smoke point oil for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (essential for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated (adds a zesty kick)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional, for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions
- Slice Beef: Slice the sirloin or flank steak against the grain into strips about ¼ inch thick and set aside in a medium bowl.
- Marinate: Add the teriyaki sauce to the bowl with the beef, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and chop the bell peppers into strips, cut broccoli into florets, and julienne the carrot. Keep the chopped green onions aside for garnish.
- Heat Oil: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil until it shimmers to prepare for stir-frying.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing the essential flavors.
- Sear Beef: Add the marinated beef in a single layer to the skillet and sear for about 2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice caramelized crust.
- Stir-fry Beef: Stir-fry the beef for another 2-3 minutes until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Remove Beef: Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside. Add more oil to the skillet if needed for cooking vegetables.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are vibrant in color and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Beef and Vegetables: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, add any remaining teriyaki sauce, and stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You can substitute other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms depending on availability.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during stir-frying.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola for effective stir-frying at high temperatures.
- Marinating the beef for longer (up to 1 hour) will intensify the flavor but is not mandatory.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
