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.
