Description
This Zucchini Beef Fry combines tender beef and crisp zucchini in a savory, slightly spicy stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain 🥩
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons 🥒
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat) 🌶
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
First things first, grab your thawed or slightly frozen beef (that freezer trick? Game-changer). Take a sharp knife and slice it into thin strips, cutting against the grain. This keeps your beef tender and easy to chew—no one likes a workout while eating, right?
For extra flavor, give your beef some love with a marinade. Mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Toss your beef into this magical mixture, and let it hang out for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else. If you’ve got time, an hour makes it even better!
Heat up a large skillet or wok on medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil (olive, avocado, whatever you’ve got) and wait until it’s nice and shimmery. Start with the beef—strain out any excess marinade and toss the strips into the hot pan. Stir-fry in batches if needed, so the pieces get that nice caramelized sear rather than steaming. Trust me, it’s worth the little extra time.
Once the beef is browned and beautiful (about 2-3 minutes per batch), scoop it out and set it aside. Don’t wipe out the pan, though—that leftover flavor is gold. Toss in your zucchini, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook for a quick 5-7 minutes. Keep them moving, so they stay crisp-tender.
Time to marry all these flavors! Lower the heat to medium, and toss the cooked beef back into the pan with the zucchini. Pour in your stir-fry sauce—you can use the marinade as a base for a thicker glaze by adding a pinch of cornstarch. Stir everything together so the zucchini and beef are coated in that slightly sticky, savory goodness.
Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. There you have it—one of those easy weeknight meals you’ll crave over and over. Plate it up as-is or over some steamed rice for extra comfort food vibes. Dinner’s served!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired