A delicious Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice is the perfect dish for any occasion. This hearty meal features tender beef cubes tossed with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, complemented by fragrant fried rice. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy days.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of beef and fresh vegetables creates a savory flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or protein options to suit your taste preferences.
- One-Pan Meal: With both stir-fried beef and fried rice cooked together, cleanup is a breeze!
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean beef, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly at high heat.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized and safe while chopping vegetables and meat.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cuts for even cooking of ingredients.
- Spatula: Ideal for tossing ingredients without damaging them during the cooking process.
Ingredients
For the Beef & Vegetables:
* 200g beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into cubes
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup carrots, sliced
* 1 cup snow peas
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 tbsp soy sauce
* 1 tsp garlic, minced
* 1 tsp vegetable oil
* Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Fried Rice:
* 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
* 1 cup carrots, finely diced
* 1 cup corn kernels
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 tsp soy sauce
* 1 tsp vegetable oil
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Sear the beef cubes for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add minced garlic, chopped onion, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add soy sauce and toss well to combine all flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Fried Rice
Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add finely diced carrots and corn kernels; stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Push the vegetables aside, pour in the beaten egg, scramble lightly until cooked through, then mix with the vegetables. Add cooked rice along with soy sauce, stir-frying everything together for another 3 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
Plate your fried rice alongside the stir-fried vegetables topped with beef cubes. Serve hot for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
Serving Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice can elevate your dining experience. The vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests or family. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
On a Bed of Lettuce
- Use fresh lettuce leaves as a base for the stir-fry. This adds a crisp texture and a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
With Extra Soy Sauce
- Offer additional soy sauce at the table for those who enjoy an extra savory kick. It pairs perfectly with both the beef and vegetables.
Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables
- Serve alongside pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes. Their tangy flavor complements the richness of the beef stir-fry.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Top your dish with sliced green onions for added freshness and a pop of color. They also bring a mild onion flavor that enhances the dish.
How to Perfect Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
Achieving the perfect Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice takes practice but can be easily mastered. Here are some tips for success:
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Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures that the beef is seared properly while keeping it tender. This is key for a great stir-fry texture.
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Prep Ingredients First: Chop all vegetables and meat before you start cooking. This allows for quick cooking, ensuring everything stays fresh and crisp.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For optimal stir-frying, cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents proper browning.
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Choose Day-Old Rice: Using day-old rice helps achieve better texture in fried rice as it is drier, preventing clumping during cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
Complementing your Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice with side dishes can enhance flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options to consider:
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Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites pair wonderfully, offering a contrasting texture to the stir-fried ingredients.
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Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds a refreshing element that balances the richness of the beef stir-fry.
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Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles provide a nutty flavor that works well alongside the warm beef dish.
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Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables add crunch and variety to your meal presentation.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup brings umami depth, making it an excellent addition before your main course.
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Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with soy sauce offers a sophisticated side that’s simple yet elegant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Beef: Cooking beef too long can make it tough. Sear it just until browned and tender, then remove it from the heat.
- Skipping Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is often too sticky for stir-frying. Use day-old rice for better texture and flavor absorption.
- Neglecting Vegetable Prep: Cutting vegetables unevenly leads to inconsistent cooking. Ensure all vegetables are cut into similar sizes for even stir-frying.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Overdoing soy sauce can make your dish overly salty. Start with a small amount, and add more gradually if needed.
- Not Prepping Ingredients First: Stir-frying is quick! Failing to prep all ingredients beforehand can lead to burnt food or uneven cooking. Have everything ready before you start cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, then heat while stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
The best cuts of beef for stir-fry are sirloin or tenderloin due to their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use other vegetables in my Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
How do I prevent my fried rice from being mushy?
Using day-old rice helps keep the texture firm. Also, ensure not to add too much liquid while cooking.
Is this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice is a delightful blend of flavors that can easily be customized. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option, this recipe fits perfectly. Try adding different proteins or veggies based on your preferences!
Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 2 people 1x
Description
Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables and Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender beef cubes and an array of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serving this hearty meal alongside fragrant fried rice not only elevates the dining experience but also ensures that you enjoy a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 200g beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into cubes
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned but tender. Remove from heat.
- In the same wok, add garlic, onion, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add soy sauce and toss to combine.
- In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir-fry diced carrots and corn for about 2 minutes. Push aside, scramble the egg until cooked through, then combine with vegetables and add cooked rice along with soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
- Plate the fried rice topped with stir-fried vegetables and beef cubes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Using day-old rice helps prevent clumping during cooking.
