If you need a dinner that’s healthy, vibrant, and absolutely packed with flavor, I can’t recommend this Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry enough. It’s become a steady weeknight favorite in my home for good reason—tender slices of steak, crisp-tender veggies in technicolor, and a glossy, sweet-salty sauce that clings to every bite. You’ll love having a quick, customizable dish that satisfies steak lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike, all in less than 30 minutes.

Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this stir fry lies in its fresh, essential ingredients. Each addition brings something special to the table, whether it’s tender steak, bright bell peppers, or a sauce that practically sings. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Steak: Thinly sliced sirloin, skirt, or flank steak sears up juicy and tender—freezing briefly makes it extra easy to cut just right.
Kosher salt: Just a sprinkle enhances the steak’s savory flavor, making every bite pop.
Ground pepper: Gives the beef a hint of warm spice that plays against the brightness of the veggies.
Olive oil: Essential for searing both steak and veggies; it adds richness without competing flavors.
Garlic: Minced fresh, it brings aromatic depth that takes the whole stir fry to the next level.
Carrots: Sliced into cheerful coins, they add sweetness, color, and crunch.
Asparagus: These bright green spears bring a satisfying snap and earthiness.
Red bell pepper: Bold in color and sweetness, they help make the dish truly pop visually.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds a golden glow and subtle, unique mildness that’s irresistible.
Snow peas: Slightly sweet, super crunchy, and quick to cook—don’t skip them!
Sesame seeds: Stirred in at the end, they add a gently nutty crunch that’s classic in stir fries.
Soy sauce (or coconut aminos/tamari): The backbone of the sauce; you can customize for dietary needs.
Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a little acidity and zing to balance the sweet and salty.
Fresh orange juice: Adds brightness and a hint of citrus that lifts the whole dish.
Honey: For subtle sweetness that caramelizes during cooking and brings the sauce together.
Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder): Thickens the sauce quickly for that classic glossy finish.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle infuses deep, toasty, unmistakable flavor that lingers beautifully.

How to Make Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep the Steak and Veggies

If you want steak that stir fries like a dream, place it in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to firm up before slicing. This little trick makes it so easy to slice thinly and evenly, giving you those perfect, tender strips every time. While the steak is chilling, chop all your veggies and get them ready for action—you’ll save tons of time during cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a small bowl or a one-cup measuring cup, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos/tamari), rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, cornstarch (or arrowroot), and sesame oil until smooth. This flavorful sauce is what transforms your stir fry from ordinary to “one more bite, please!” territory, so don’t be shy about tasting and balancing as you like.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Get your largest 12-inch cast iron skillet or trusty wok sizzling over high heat. Swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering, then add the steak, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Stir fry quickly until the strips are charred but still tender and medium-rare, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scoop the steak out onto a plate—don’t worry, it’ll come back for a delicious reunion with the veggies!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

Add your second tablespoon of olive oil to the same hot pan. First up: carrots and asparagus. These sturdy veggies take a bit longer, so they go in first for about 3 minutes, getting a head start on that golden color and vibrant flavor. Next, add in the bell peppers and snow peas, toss everything together, and stir fry another 3 minutes. Finally, add the garlic—let it get fragrant without burning for one last minute. Keep the veggies moving so they cook evenly while staying crisp and colorful.

Step 5: Finish the Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry

Time for all the flavors to come together! Add the steak back into the skillet, and give your sauce a quick whisk (cornstarch likes to settle). Pour it all over, tossing fast and frequently for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and every bite is glazed. Stir in the sesame seeds, then serve instantly for the very best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is classic, but I also love to add thinly sliced scallions or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for extra punch. If you enjoy a little heat, try a scattering of red pepper flakes or even a few slivers of fresh chili at the end—you control the spice factor!

Side Dishes

This Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but it absolutely shines when piled high over fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or quick-cooked noodles. For a lighter twist, spoon it over cauliflower rice or serve alongside a green salad dressed simply with sesame oil and rice vinegar. These simple sides help soak up the glossy sauce and round out your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stir fry doesn’t have to be standard! For a fun dinner party, serve the Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, crunchy bite. Or try stuffing leftovers into a warm tortilla for a fusion steak wrap. You can also serve it “family style” on a big platter—let everyone scoop their own and customize with all the garnishes their hearts desire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, the good news is they keep beautifully. Transfer your Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen, making for a delicious, easy reheatable lunch or speedy dinner later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the completely cooled stir fry in single-serving portions. Just pack into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to two months. While the veggies may soften a little, the flavors will still be vibrant when you’re ready to enjoy another round.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring everything back to life. For a quick lunch, you can microwave individual servings—but stirring halfway through helps everything reheat evenly and stay tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this stir fry?

Absolutely! Chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even tofu (for a vegetarian twist) all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just remember to adjust cook times so your protein stays juicy and tender.

What vegetables work best if I want to switch things up?

Almost any quick-cooking vegetable can join the party—think broccoli florets, snap peas, mushrooms, or even baby corn. Use what’s fresh, seasonal, and appeals to you. The Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry is endlessly adaptable!

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free. This swap is seamless and keeps the flavor just as bold and satisfying.

How can I make the stir fry less sweet or less salty?

Dial back the honey if you prefer your sauce less sweet, and start with a little less soy sauce if you’re watching sodium. Taste and adjust before adding the sauce to the pan so you get your perfect balance every time.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

No problem! This recipe scales up or down with ease. For a crowd, just use a bigger pan or work in batches to ensure everything sears (not steams). Halving works perfectly if you’re cooking for one or two, and leftovers never go to waste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this Extra Veggie Steak Stir Fry a try. It’s the kind of dish that keeps dinnertime fresh, nourishing, and totally crave-worthy—without taking up your whole evening. Grab your skillet, blast that heat, and let all those colors and flavors bring a little extra joy to your table tonight!