There’s something deeply satisfying about the quick sizzle and vibrant colors of a stir-fry — and this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe really hits that spot. Crunchy veggies, tender beef, and a silky sauce create a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, making it my go-to when I want something fast but delicious.

A dark brown bowl holds a stir-fry dish with three main layers: the bottom is a dark brown sauce that looks shiny and thick; on top, there are many pieces of medium-brown cooked meat scattered across the bowl; mixed with the meat are bright green snap peas and dark green leafy vegetables, adding fresh color; there are also white and pale yellow thick vegetable pieces with smooth, slightly shiny surfaces scattered evenly; small clusters of golden-brown mushrooms add mushroom shapes and texture throughout. The bowl sits on a light brown woven mat on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with white rice and a small green cup filled with tea, both slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of easy, flavorful, and versatile. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Simple yet impressive: With just a handful of ingredients and quick searing, you get restaurant-quality results at home.
Fresh and vibrant: The mix of bok choy, mushrooms, and snap peas keeps every bite interesting and crisp.
Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust sauces to match your taste or pantry supplies.
Great for weeknights: Ready in about 40 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule whenever dinner inspiration strikes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe plays a key role — from the tenderizing marinade on the beef to the crunchy fresh veggies, everything balances texture and flavor beautifully. Here’s a quick look at what’s included and why it’s a winning combo.

Flat lay of fresh sliced flank steak pieces, a small mound of fine cornstarch powder, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small pile of minced fresh ginger, fresh bok choy leaves cut into medium pieces, a cluster of Bunashimeji (Beech) mushrooms with beige caps and stems, vibrant sugar snap peas with pods whole, a small white ceramic bowl filled with clear warm water, a small white ceramic bowl containing a dark soy sauce mixture, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy oyster sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden neutral oil, and a small white ceramic bowl with rich amber sesame oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flank steak: This cut’s lean and perfect for slicing thin; it cooks fast and stays tender with the baking soda marinade trick.
Cornstarch: Helps create that silky, glossy coating on the beef and thickens the sauce at the end.
Neutral oil: Vegetable, canola, or avocado oils are perfect for high-heat stir-frying without burning.
Bok choy: Adds a mild crunch with a slight sweetness, giving the dish bright green pops.
Beuch mushrooms (Bunashimeji): Their delicate texture and subtle flavor soak up the sauce nicely.
Sugar snap peas: These bring a fresh snap and a bit of sweetness that contrasts the savory beef.
Soy sauces (light & dark): Layered umami flavors that give the stir-fry depth and complexity.
Oyster sauce: Adds a sweet-savory richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
Shaoxing wine: Boosts flavor with a subtle aromatic lift often found in authentic stir-fries.
Ginger and garlic: Provide the warm spicy kick that wakes up the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap bok choy for broccoli or bell pepper, and other times I add a handful of cashews for crunch. It’s all about making it your own and enjoying the process.

Vegetable swaps: I’ve used snap peas, green beans, or carrots in place of sugar snap peas with great results — all bring different textures and sweetness.
Heat it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili if you like a bit of spice in your stir-fry.
Make it gluten-free: Just replace soy sauces with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute with hoisin.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe

A dark brown bowl holds a stir-fry dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a rich brown sauce, the middle layer has tender slices of brown cooked meat, and the top layer includes bright green snap peas, light green and white bok choy pieces, and small light brown mushrooms mixed in, all glossy with sauce. To the top left of the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with white cooked rice, and below it, a light gray-green cup with pale green liquid. The brown bowl and white rice bowl rest on a white marbled surface with a bamboo mat beneath the bowl, with wooden chopsticks laid on the left side. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Beef to Tenderize

Start by mixing your beef strips with cornstarch, oil, water, and baking soda. The baking soda works like magic, tenderizing the meat so it stays soft during cooking. I let mine sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you plan ahead, marinating it overnight amps the tenderness even more.

Step 2: Prepare Your Fresh Veggies

While the beef marinates, chop your bok choy, rinse your mushrooms, and snap peas. Having everything ready to go is key because stir-frying happens fast — you’ll want to toss veggies in without hesitation for that perfect crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine your warm water or stock with sesame oil, light and dark soy sauces, oyster sauce, and a pinch of sugar. This sauce blends salty, sweet, and umami notes in just the right amounts — it’s like the secret handshake of this stir-fry.

Step 4: Sear the Beef Over High Heat

Heat your wok until it just starts to smoke, then spread two tablespoons of oil around the edges. Lay the beef in one even layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then flip and sear 30 more seconds. This quick sear locks in juices and creates that gorgeous caramelized exterior. Remove from wok once about 80% cooked — it’ll finish later with the veggies.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Build Flavor

Back on the heat, add your last tablespoon of oil, ginger, and garlic. Cook just seconds to release their aroma before adding mushrooms for a quick sear. Splash in the Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan — it smells amazing at this point! Add snap peas and bok choy, stir-fry till the greens just start to wilt.

Step 6: Bring It All Together with Sauce and Thickener

Pour your sauce mix and beef back into the wok, congregated in the center. Keep everything moving in a circular stir to hit the sides, where the wok’s heat intensifies and helps thicken the sauce quickly. Stir in cornstarch slurry, and watch the sauce go from thin to velvety in seconds. Make sure no pool of sauce remains — everything should be coated beautifully. Serve immediately!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned making this Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is that timing is everything. Getting your mise en place ready before you turn on the heat makes all the difference. The stir-fry itself happens in a flash — like a delicious dance in your wok — so being prepared prevents overcooking and keeps those vibrant textures intact.

Marinate patiently: Let your beef sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes—it makes the meat incredibly tender and juicy.
High heat is your friend: Make sure your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients to get that signature sear and smoky flavor.
Cook in batches if needed: Crowding the pan leads to steaming instead of searing; I learned this the hard way and trust me, it’s worth the extra minute.
Work fast after the slurry: The sauce thickens very quickly—stir rapidly to coat everything evenly before it clumps or dries out.

How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this stir-fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and texture. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime adds a lovely brightness that wakes up your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This goes perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that fantastic sauce. When I want something lighter, I serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this beef stir-fry over noodle nests or in lettuce cups, which is always a crowd pleaser. It’s a fun way to mix textures and make the meal feel extra festive without much extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover beef stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays good for about 3 days. Because the sauce thickens as it cools, I like to loosen it up with a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry a couple of times with decent results—just remember that the veggies may soften a bit more upon thawing. To keep freshness, freeze in portions and reheat gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is in a hot skillet over medium heat, stirring quickly to warm through without drying out the beef. Adding a bit of water or stock helps revive the saucy texture nicely.

Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe