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Quick Lean Beef Stir-Fry Protein Power

quick lean beef stir-fry - featured image

A quick, easy, and protein-packed lean beef stir-fry with fresh veggies and bold flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil as substitute)
  • 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to about 1/8-inch thickness. This takes about 5 minutes. Partially freezing the beef for 20 minutes can help with thin slicing.
  2. Marinate the beef by combining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and honey in a bowl. Toss the beef in this mixture and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the bell pepper into thin strips, cutting broccoli into bite-sized florets, and slicing green onions. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and swirl to coat. When the oil shimmers, add the beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, add broccoli and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant. Add a splash of water or broth if the pan gets too dry to help steam the veggies.
  6. Return the beef to the pan. Add remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Give everything a final stir.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine or brown rice.

Notes

Partially freeze beef for easier thin slicing. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep veggies crisp. Use high heat for best texture. If sauce is too thin, mix more cornstarch with cold water and stir in, cooking for an extra minute. Reheat leftovers gently on stove to keep beef tender. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick beef stir-fry, lean beef recipe, high protein dinner, easy stir-fry, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, low sodium, gluten-free option