Some meals linger in your memory not because they’re complicated but because they hit all the right notes in the moment. This high protein beef stir-fry dinner is one of those dishes. It’s the kind of dinner I reach for when I want something hearty, vibrant, and just a little bit special without spending hours in the kitchen.
I remember one evening when I got home later than usual, the kind of day where everything feels a little off balance. I started chopping the bell peppers and carrots, the sharp scent of ginger and garlic filling the kitchen, pulling me out of the day’s haze. As the beef sizzled in the pan, I couldn’t help but get distracted by the way the colors popped—the bright red and yellow peppers, the deep green broccoli, all coming together in such a simple, satisfying dance. Somewhere between waiting for it to finish and setting the table, I realized the stir-fry wasn’t just dinner; it was a little moment of calm in a busy night.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Combines lean beef with a variety of crisp, colorful vegetables for a balanced, protein-packed meal.
- Quick to prepare and cook—ready in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for weeknights.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point: no complicated steps, just straightforward flavors.
- Offers flexibility with ingredients, so you can swap veggies you have on hand without stress.
- A little bit of sauce goes a long way, keeping it light but flavorful.
It’s totally okay if you don’t have exactly the same veggies every time. I usually toss in what’s fresh or leftover, and honestly, it still turns out great.
PrintHigh Protein Beef Stir-Fry Dinner
A delicious and nutritious high protein beef stir-fry packed with colorful vegetables, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 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
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup snap peas
1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove 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 red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, carrot, broccoli florets, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour in the beef broth and drizzle the sesame oil over the mixture.
Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
Season with black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy here—just a sturdy skillet or wok and a good spatula to keep things moving. This dish pairs nicely with steamed rice or even noodles if you’re in the mood. Sometimes I add a splash of chili sauce for a bit of heat, but that’s just me experimenting. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the beef for chicken or tofu, or add mushrooms if you have them. I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, but they usually work out pretty well.
FAQ:
Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
Definitely. It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and reheats nicely on the stove or in the microwave.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can skip it or replace it with a bit of hoisin sauce or even a splash of soy sauce alone—just adjust to taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
Give this dish a try the next time you want a dinner that feels like a little celebration of everyday flavors. Save it, print it, or just scroll through the recipe until you’re ready to make it your own.