There’s something about a quick stir fry that feels just right when the day has been a little too full. I remember the last time I made this high protein beef stir fry—my mind was racing through a dozen things, and I was only halfway convinced I’d have time to cook. But the sizzle of garlic and ginger hitting the hot pan was a small, grounding moment. The colors of the red and green peppers, bright and fresh, made the kitchen feel alive even as my thoughts scattered. Somewhere between stirring the beef and tossing in the broccoli, I caught a whiff of toasted sesame and realized dinner was going to be more than just fuel—it was a little win for the evening. I didn’t get everything perfectly timed, and I might have almost overcooked the carrots, but that’s part of the charm.
- Combines lean beef with crisp, colorful vegetables for a balanced meal that’s quick to pull together.
- The sauce is savory and slightly thickened, coating each ingredient without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No lengthy prep or complicated steps, just straightforward cooking.
- High in protein to keep you full and satisfied, especially on busy days when you need energy without the fuss.
- Because it cooks fast, the vegetables stay vibrant and tender-crisp, which might not be for everyone if you prefer softer veggies.
Even if you’re new to stir fries, this recipe is forgiving and easy to customize. I usually keep a bottle of soy sauce and sesame oil handy, so the flavor comes together effortlessly. If you’re wondering about timing or substitutions, don’t worry—you can swap the beef for chicken or tofu and still get a tasty meal.
PrintHigh Protein Beef Stir Fry
A quick and nutritious high protein beef stir fry packed with tender beef strips and colorful vegetables, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound (450 grams) lean beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup low sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, broccoli florets, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour in the beef broth and sesame oil, stirring to combine all ingredients.
Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or your choice of side.
In my kitchen, a good wok or a large skillet is all you really need to get the job done. I usually serve this stir fry over steamed rice, but sometimes I go for noodles when I want a change. If you want to mix it up, adding snap peas or mushrooms can be nice, though I haven’t tested all combinations thoroughly. Oh, and sometimes I toss in a pinch of chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.
FAQ
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time? Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats quickly in a pan or microwave.
What’s the best cut of beef to use? Lean sirloin or flank steak works best for tender, quick cooking strips.
Can I use frozen vegetables? You can, but fresh veggies keep the dish crisp and lively.
Is this recipe gluten-free? If you swap regular soy sauce for tamari, it can be made gluten-free.
If you’re craving a meal that feels fresh, nourishing, and a little bit like a small victory after a busy day, give this high protein beef stir fry a try. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to linger over dinner, even when you’re in a rush.