Few dishes bring comfort and satisfaction like a well-prepared Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry. The combination of juicy, tender beef and vibrant, crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, makes this a perfect dish for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a quick and hearty meal after a long day, this recipe delivers rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a wholesome balance of protein and vegetables.
With a few simple techniques, including baking soda tenderization and a flavorful marinade, you can achieve restaurant-quality stir-fry at home. Best of all, this dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra-Tender Beef – The baking soda method ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, including marinating time.
✔ Flavor-Packed – A sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce enhances every bite.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients for Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (sliced) | 500g |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Ginger (sliced) | 50g |
| Garlic (sliced) | 1 clove |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 2 |
| Purple onions (chopped) | 2 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Chili pepper (minced) | ½ |
Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Honey | 30-50 ml |
| Cornstarch | ¾ tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp |
Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | ½ tsp |
| Water | 1 tbsp |
Cooking Essentials
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & spices | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
1. Tenderize the Beef
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Stir thoroughly and let sit for 15 minutes to break down the meat fibers.
- Rinse under cold water to remove excess baking soda, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Beef
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Honey, cornstarch, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
- Add the beef and coat evenly.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
- While the beef marinates, slice the ginger and garlic.
- Chop the onions, slice the bell peppers, and mince the chili pepper and garlic.
4. Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Stir-fry sliced ginger and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add onions and bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Stir in minced garlic and chili pepper, cooking for another minute.
6. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water to create a sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well until it thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and additional spices as needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Best Ways to Serve Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
✔ Over Rice
Enjoy with steamed white or brown rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
✔ With Noodles
Pair with lo mein, rice noodles, or stir-fried soba for an Asian-inspired dish.
✔ As a Wrap
Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas for a fun twist.
✔ In a Bowl
Top with sesame seeds, green onions, or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing Option:
- You can freeze the uncooked marinated beef in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as instructed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great alternatives for this stir-fry.
2. What if I don’t have baking soda?
You can tenderize the beef by marinating it with cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil instead.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and adjust the sauce accordingly.
4. What other vegetables can I use?
Try adding snap peas, broccoli, carrots, or baby corn for extra color and texture.
5. How can I make it spicier?
Increase the chili pepper or add sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
6. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! Marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Stir-Fry Recipe
Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy beef, crisp veggies, and a deliciously thick sauce, this stir-fry is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Try this recipe today and bring restaurant-quality stir-fry to your kitchen!