Zesty Zucchini Beef Stir Fry

$- 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons ginger, minced The main ingredients create a delicious base for your stir fry. Beef sirloin gives great flavor and tender bites. Zucchini adds a soft crunch, while bell pepper brings sweetness. Onion, garlic, and ginger add depth and warmth. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch These sauces and seasonings balance flavors in your stir fry. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while oyster sauce gives richness. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a nice glaze. - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro or green onions Garnishes add color and a fresh touch. Sesame seeds add crunch, while cilantro or green onions bring brightness. These small details make your dish look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 500g of thinly sliced beef sirloin. In a bowl, add the beef with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat all the beef. I suggest marinating for about 15 minutes. This helps the beef soak up all those tasty flavors. While the beef marinates, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, lay the marinated beef in a single layer in the skillet. Don’t stir it for 2-3 minutes. Let it brown nicely. Then, flip the beef and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 1 more tablespoon of vegetable oil. Now, toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté them for about 1 minute. You want to smell that great aroma. Next, add the sliced zucchinis and bell pepper. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes. They should be tender but still a bit crunchy. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and stir everything for about 2 minutes. This warms the beef and mixes the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper if needed. Finally, serve your stir fry on plates and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or green onions. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing the right cut: For stir fry, beef sirloin works best. It offers great flavor and tenderness. Look for cuts with some marbling. This fat makes the meat juicy and flavorful. Avoid tough cuts like chuck or round. - Importance of marination: Marinating beef adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Use soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. These ingredients work together to break down tough fibers. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. Longer is even better for full flavor. - Cooking times for crunchiness: To keep zucchini crunchy, cook it for about 3-4 minutes. Stir-fry over high heat for the best results. You want it tender but still crisp, not mushy. - Avoiding sogginess: To prevent sogginess, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Also, add zucchini after the onions and garlic. This timing keeps it from cooking too long. - Suggestions for additional spices: To spice things up, try adding red pepper flakes or black pepper. These add heat and depth to your dish. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for fresh flavor. - Combining different sauces: Mixing sauces can elevate your stir fry. Try adding hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce alongside soy sauce. This adds a sweet and savory balance that enhances the overall taste. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes helps infuse it with flavor, making each bite more delicious. High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to ensure that the vegetables remain crisp and the beef gets a nice sear. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking makes the process smoother and quicker. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well here. They stay juicy and cook fast. If you prefer plant-based protein, try firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. It soaks up flavors and adds great texture. You can also use shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Just make sure to cook them until they turn pink. Feel free to add more veggies to your stir fry. Broccoli adds crunch and color. Bell peppers give a sweet taste, but any color works. Carrots bring a nice sweetness and bright orange hue. Seasonal veggies like asparagus or snap peas can also shine in this dish. Mix and match to keep it fresh and exciting. If you want to change the sauce, try teriyaki or hoisin. Both add a sweet and savory touch. You can also make a simple garlic sauce. Blend a bit of soy sauce with minced garlic and a dash of sugar. This easy option packs a flavor punch. Homemade sauces let you control the taste and ingredients. To store leftovers, let the stir fry cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Remember to label your container with the date. You can freeze the stir fry if you want to save some for later. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan or microwave until hot. Zucchini beef stir fry lasts about three days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to three months. For the best taste, try to eat it within a month. Always check for freshness before eating, especially if it’s been in the fridge for a while. Yes, you can make Zucchini Beef Stir Fry ahead of time. Meal prep is easy with this dish. You can cook the beef and veggies, then store them. Use an airtight container for best results. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet. Add a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. Yes, you can enjoy this dish on a gluten-free diet. Many soy sauces contain gluten, but there are gluten-free versions available. Look for tamari or coconut aminos as great alternatives. For the oyster sauce, find a gluten-free brand or make your own with mushrooms. These swaps will let you enjoy this tasty meal without worry. Zucchini Beef Stir Fry pairs well with many sides. Serve it over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist. Try adding a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. These options will add more color and nutrition to your plate. Zucchini beef stir fry is easy and quick to make. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. You can customize it with different proteins and veggies. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. This dish is a tasty meal any night of the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Zesty Zucchini Beef Stir Fry

A quick and delicious stir fry featuring tender beef and fresh vegetables, perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

500 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 whole bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons ginger, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds
for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without stirring until browned, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced zucchinis and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender yet slightly crisp.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, add sesame oil, and stir everything together for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or pepper if desired.
Remove from heat and transfer the stir fry to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro or green onion.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Keyword beef, quick meal, stir-fry, zucchini