If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s as wholesome as it is colorful, the Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe is a total game changer. This dish brings together tender, juicy slices of steak with an array of fresh, crisp vegetables, all tossed in a luscious, tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. It’s quick to prepare, brimming with nutrients, and has that satisfying stir-fried char that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself after a busy day, this recipe will soon become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to nailing this Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe. Each item adds its own magic, whether it’s the meaty goodness of the steak, the fresh crunch of veggies, or the bold, layered flavors of the sauce.
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, skirt, or flank) (thinly sliced): Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly and slices against the grain for maximum juiciness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (divided): Used for searing and sautéing, imparting a silky richness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides pungent warmth that ties the dish together.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced into ¼" coins): Brings a sweet crunch and bright orange color.
- ½ lb asparagus (ends trimmed, sliced into 2" pieces): Adds a fresh earthiness with just the right snap.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced): Balances the red pepper with a mellow, sunny flavor.
- 6 oz snow peas: Delivers crisp texture and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds: Lends a nutty crunch that complements the steak and veggies.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos, or tamari): Forms the salty, savory base of the stir fry sauce.
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoon fresh orange juice: Infuses subtle citrus notes for a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoon honey: Balances acidity with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder): Thickens the sauce for a perfect cling to every bite.
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil: Finishes the dish with fragrant depth and that unmistakable Asian flair.
How to Make Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Steak and Veggies
This Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe starts with getting your ingredients ready. Pat your steak dry and pop it in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes until firm—that step makes slicing thin strips so much easier. At the same time, chop all the fresh vegetables to ensure everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Stir Fry Sauce
Next, combine your soy sauce or alternative, rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and set it aside. This sauce will infuse your dish with the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it's beautifully charred on the outside but still medium rare. Remove the steak and set it aside so you can focus on the veggies next.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the second tablespoon of olive oil and heat it until shimmering. Toss in the carrots and asparagus first, sautéing for three minutes. Then add the red and yellow bell peppers along with snow peas, stirring continuously to combine all those vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Finish with minced garlic for the last minute, stirring frequently to keep the garlic fragrant but not burnt.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the steak to the pan, pour in your prepared stir fry sauce (give it a quick whisk if needed), and stir fry everything for about three more minutes. This step thickens the sauce and lets the flavors meld while tenderizing the vegetables to the perfect bite—not too raw, but still delightfully crisp. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and give it one last toss before removing from heat.
How to Serve Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or a handful of chopped green onions for an added pop of texture and fresh flavor. A few red pepper flakes can also add a welcome touch of heat that elevates the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs spectacularly with steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside simple garlic noodles for a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe in colorful bowls topped with a fresh cilantro sprig for a lively presentation. You can even turn this into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld meal perfect for casual dining or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the veggies crisp.
Freezing
While the steak and veggies can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables might soften slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months, but for the best experience, enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispness of the vegetables and prevents overcooking the steak. Microwaving is fine too but do it in short bursts to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of steak?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives and cook quickly with the veggies. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Feel free to mix it up with broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, or zucchini depending on what’s fresh and available. The key is to keep vegetables that stir fry well and have a bit of crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, the dish becomes gluten-free while still maintaining that delicious umami flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the stir fry sauce. Alternatively, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep all vegetables and the sauce up to a day in advance. It’s best to slice and stir fry the steak just before serving for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe is such a joy to make and share—it’s like a party on your plate with every colorful bite. It’s fast, healthy, and packed with textures and flavors that never get boring. Give it a try, invite some loved ones around, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A colorful and flavorful extra veggie steak stir fry featuring thinly sliced sirloin steak and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory-sweet sesame soy sauce. This quick stir fry is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying weeknight meal served over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, skirt, or flank), thinly sliced
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into ¼" coins
- ½ lb asparagus, ends trimmed and sliced into 2" pieces
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 6 oz snow peas
Stir Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos or tamari)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Steak and Vegetables: (Optional but recommended) Place the steak in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until firm to make slicing easier, then slice thinly against the grain into ⅛" - ¼" thick strips. Meanwhile, peel and slice carrots, trim and cut asparagus, thinly slice bell peppers, and measure snow peas and garlic.
- Mix Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl or 1-cup measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce (or coconut aminos/tamari), rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, cornstarch (or arrowroot), and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12" cast iron skillet or large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak, season with kosher salt and ground pepper, then stir fry for 3-4 minutes until charred and medium rare. Remove steak from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add carrots and asparagus and stir sauté for 3 minutes, tossing frequently. Add red and yellow bell peppers and snow peas, stirring and cooking for an additional 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, toss to combine, and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
- Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the stir fry sauce a quick whisk in case the cornstarch has settled, then pour it in. Stir fry everything together over high heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in sesame seeds, and serve immediately over your choice of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Freezing the steak before slicing helps achieve thin, uniform slices that cook quickly and evenly.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch as desired.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste to the stir fry sauce.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added to based on preference and seasonality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian

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