Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

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!

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