Irresistible Beef Stir-Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Beef stir-fry with peanut sauce is a classic dish that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. The beauty of stir-fries lies in their adaptability; feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and customize the vegetables to your liking.

Why This Recipe Works

* **Flavorful Sauce:** The peanut sauce is the star of the show. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that perfectly coats the beef and vegetables.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables, this stir-fry is a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious beef stir-fry. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – feel free to substitute ingredients as needed.

**For the Beef:**

* 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

**For the Vegetables:**

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, sliced
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 cup snow peas
* 1/2 cup sliced carrots
* Optional: mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots

**For the Peanut Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
* 2 tablespoons water (or more, to thin to desired consistency)
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1 clove garlic, minced

**For Serving:**

* Cooked rice or noodles
* Chopped peanuts
* Sesame seeds
* Chopped green onions
* Sriracha (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large wok or skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring spoons and cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering beef stir-fry with peanut sauce.

**Step 1: Prepare the Beef**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. This marinade will help tenderize the beef and add flavor.
2. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

1. Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Slice the onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Cut the broccoli into florets and trim the snow peas. Have all your vegetables ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process is quick.

**Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, sriracha, water, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more sriracha for extra heat, more honey for sweetness, or more water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and easily pourable.

**Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef**

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is very hot before adding the beef. This will ensure that the beef sears quickly and doesn’t steam.
2. Add the marinated beef to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
3. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok or skillet and set aside.

**Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**

1. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, snow peas, and carrots to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some of their crunch.
3. If using other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy, add them to the wok or skillet at this stage and stir-fry until they are cooked to your liking.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

1. Return the cooked beef to the wok or skillet with the vegetables.
2. Pour the peanut sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and evenly coats the beef and vegetables. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Serve the beef stir-fry with peanut sauce over cooked rice or noodles.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Add a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat, if desired.

Tips for Success

* **Use High Heat:** Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a slightly charred flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the beef and vegetables.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook the beef and vegetables in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** Stir-frying is a quick cooking process, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes slicing the beef, chopping the vegetables, and making the sauce.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:** The peanut sauce is very versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness, or more water to thin the sauce.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef will make a big difference in the flavor of your stir-fry.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Protein:** Substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, shrimp, or pork.
* **Vegetables:** Use any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or snap peas.
* **Noodles:** Serve the stir-fry over your favorite type of noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles.
* **Peanut Butter:** If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level of the sauce.
* **Sweetener:** Use honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar to sweeten the sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Also, check the labels of your peanut butter and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
* **Add Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the stir-fry.
* **Use Different Oils:** While vegetable oil is a good standard choice, you can experiment with other oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or even a chili-infused oil for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve the beef stir-fry with peanut sauce over cooked rice or noodles.
* Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions.
* Add a side of steamed broccoli or edamame.
* Serve with a refreshing cucumber salad.
* Enjoy as a main course for lunch or dinner.
* Pack leftovers for lunch the next day.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* You can prepare the peanut sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* You can also slice the beef and chop the vegetables up to 1 day in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the instructions for stir-frying the beef and vegetables, and then add the prepared peanut sauce.

Storage Instructions

* Store leftover beef stir-fry with peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Detailed Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Serving Size: 1 cup

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Sodium: 500-700mg

This recipe is a good source of protein, iron, and several vitamins and minerals, depending on the vegetables used. It is important to note the higher fat content due to the peanut butter. Consider using a lower-fat peanut butter or reducing the amount used if you are watching your fat intake.

Troubleshooting

* **Sauce is too thick:** Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
* **Sauce is too thin:** Simmer the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
* **Beef is tough:** Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. Marinating the beef will also help to tenderize it.
* **Vegetables are soggy:** Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook the vegetables over high heat until they are tender-crisp.
* **Stir-fry is bland:** Add more soy sauce, sriracha, or other seasonings to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them before stir-frying.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?**

A: Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. To make it vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

**Q: Can I add noodles to the stir-fry?**

A: Absolutely! Cook your favorite type of noodles according to the package directions and add them to the wok or skillet along with the beef and vegetables.

**Q: How long does this stir-fry last in the refrigerator?**

A: This stir-fry will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

**Q: Can I freeze this stir-fry?**

A: Freezing is not recommended as the vegetables can become soggy upon thawing. It is best to consume it fresh or within a few days.

**Q: What is the best type of beef to use?**

A: Sirloin is a good choice because it is lean and tender. Flank steak or skirt steak can also be used. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

**Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?**

A: You can substitute rice vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

**Q: I don’t have sriracha. What can I use instead?**

A: You can use another type of chili sauce, such as sambal oelek or chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

## Conclusion

This beef stir-fry with peanut sauce is a delicious, easy, and customizable meal that’s perfect for weeknights. With its flavorful sauce, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy this delightful dish!