Hey there, busy cooks! Sometimes you just need a simple and delicious meal that comes together in no time. This Beef and Zucchini Stir Fry recipe is perfect for busy days when you’re craving a satisfying meal without the hassle. With tender slices of beef and zucchini, all coated in a savory soy sauce glaze, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation. I think stir fries are also a great way for the whole family to eat more vegetables. The best part? It’s a quick and easy recipe. Let’s get cooking!
Equipment:
You’ll need
-a knife,
-cutting board,
-large nonstick skillet pan.
Ingredients:
- 2lbs Beef strips: (we recommend top sirloin or another tender cut).
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 onion: thinly sliced or chopped (yellow or white onions work)
- 1 small zucchini: sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 garlic cloves: finely chopped
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce: (regular or low-sodium – just be mindful of salt)
- Optional: green onion
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Start by patting your chosen beef cut dry using paper towels, then cut it into thin strips. Make sure to slice it against the grain. Season it with a pinch of salt.
2. Get your Veggies Ready: Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes, and chop or cut your onions into thin slices
3. Sear the Beef: Get that pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to ensure a nice sear. Now, in batches, sear the beef. Once each batch is seared, remove all the beef and set it aside for a moment.
4. Sauté the Onions and garlic: Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of cooking oil to the hot pan, then toss in your thinly sliced or chopped onion. Sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic an stir for 1 min.
5. Add Zucchini and Soy Sauce: Back in the pan, toss in the zucchini and add the soy sauce. Continue stir-frying until the zucchini becomes tender and soaks up all the savory soy sauce goodness.
6. Combine and Serve: If you like, you can add green onions at this stage. Return the seared beef to the pan, ensuring everything gets coated in the mouthwatering sauce. Stir-fry for an extra minute to heat everything through. Your Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry is now ready to serve.
7.Adjust Seasoning: Don’t forget to adjust the salt and black pepper to taste. Season your dish just the way you like it.
Recipe Notes:
-When slicing your beef, go for small, thin strips for the best results.
-Remember to cut against the grain to keep your steak tender.
-Don’t overcrowd the skillet; give your ingredients room to develop that lovely sear.
-Using medium high heat helps achieve the desired color, and it’s okay to leave some pink in your beef, as it’ll continue cooking later.
How to Serve:
This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice or brown rice, making it a complete meal. It’s a simple, delicious stir-fry recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s a winner in every way!
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days.
Variations and Common Substitutions:
-If you like to experiment, try adding some sesame seeds for an extra crunch or use sesame oil instead of olive oil. Just make sure to check for allergies if you’re serving guests, as sesame seeds are a common allergen.
– You can also swap zucchini for yellow squash or incorporate other favorite vegetables like sweet bell pepper or broccoli.
Looking for more beef recipes?
For more beefy goodness, check out our other recipes on the blog. So far, we’ve got bacon wrapped meatloaf with cheddar cheese and Brazilian baked kibbeh, both featuring ground beef. If you are looking for quick and easy recipes we have lots of recipes already posted. Including our best pan fried tilapia recipe and our effortless maple glazed pork recipe, these would be a great addition to your weekly rotation as they are perfect for any busy weeknight.
Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- large nonstick skillet pan or wok
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Beef strips we recommend top sirloin or another tender cut.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 onion: thinly sliced or chopped yellow or white onions work
- 1 small zucchini: sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp of soy sauce: regular or low-sodium – just be mindful of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Start by patting your chosen beef cut dry using paper towels, then cut it into thin strips. Make sure to slice it against the grain. Season it with a pinch of salt.
- Get Your Veggies Ready: Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes, and chop or cut your onions into thin slices
- Sear the Beef: Get that pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Drizzle a bit of olive oil to ensure a nice sear. Now, in batches, sear the beef. Once each batch is seared, remove all the beef and set it aside for a moment.
- Sauté the Onions and garlic: Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of cooking oil to the hot pan, then toss in your thinly sliced or chopped onion. Sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for one minute
- Add Zucchini and Soy Sauce: Toss in the zucchini and add the soy sauce. Continue stir-frying until the zucchini becomes tender and soaks up all the savory soy sauce goodness.
- Combine and Serve: If you like, you can add green onions at this stage. Return the seared beef to the pan, ensuring everything gets coated in the mouthwatering sauce. Stir-fry for an extra minute to heat everything through. Your Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry is now ready to serve.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don't forget to adjust the salt and black pepper to taste. If you like more sauce, feel free to add and extra tablespoon or two of soy sauce. Season your dish just the way you like it.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs:
Absolutely! Tender cuts like ribeye or flank steak work great. Just be sure to slice them against the grain for tenderness.
Of course! Customize your stir-fry with additional fresh veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Adjust the cooking time to keep them tender
Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or even tamari for a reduced-sodium option.
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the components ahead of time to speed up the process. Enjoy your Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry, and don’t forget to connect with us on social media. If you have questions or want to suggest future recipes, please leave a comment. Happy cooking!
Well, you can certainly give it a shot, and perhaps you’ll have better luck with it than I did. Personally, I’ve found that these pre-cut strips tend to be a bit less tender in my experience.
My personal favorites are basmati or jasmine rice. However, feel free to choose any rice variety you prefer including brown rice. Or if you prefer, serve it with cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
Enjoy your Beef and Zucchini Stir-Fry – I truly hope you enjoy this recipe, this simple stir-fry is the perfect weeknight meal. Be sure to stay connected with us on social media for more culinary inspiration. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below. We’re all ears, and we’re eager to hear what recipes you’d like to see next time.
Happy cooking!
Claudia
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