This Easy Mediterranean Beef Stir Fry is packed with tasty flavors! You’ll enjoy tender beef with colorful veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini, all tossed in a yummy sauce.
It’s quick to make, so you can have dinner ready in no time. I love serving it over rice or noodles—perfect for a busy weeknight when I want something delicious and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best for this stir fry due to their tenderness. If you want a leaner option, consider using chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor and helps cook the beef. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead; just go for something with a high smoke point.
Bell Peppers: The combination of red and yellow peppers gives a sweet and colorful touch. Don’t hesitate to swap them for green bell peppers or even use other veggies like broccoli or snap peas.
Zucchini: It’s a great choice for adding texture. If zucchini isn’t available, you could use asparagus or even thinly sliced eggplant.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor! If you don’t have fresh on hand, garlic powder can be substituted, but use it sparingly—about 1/4 teaspoon should do.
How Can I Achieve Tender and Flavorful Beef?
Getting the beef just right is key to this stir fry. Here are steps you should follow:
- Cut the beef against the grain into thin slices. This makes it more tender as you’re chewing.
- Marinate it briefly in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices like cumin and paprika (this can be 10-15 minutes). It boosts flavor!
- Stir-fry the beef in a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This keeps the beef juicy and prevents steaming.
These simple steps can make your beef stir fry both tender and delicious! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Mediterranean Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mediterranean Beef Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is nice and hot before the next step!
2. Cook the Beef:
Add the sliced beef to the hot skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat!). Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender. When it’s done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now, you can add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, which means they should still have a nice crunch to them.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes just to combine all the flavors nicely.
6. Flavor with Lemon:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry and taste it. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious stir fry with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this colorful dish hot over cooked rice, couscous, or your favorite grain.
Bon appétit! Enjoy your easy Mediterranean beef stir fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, asparagus, or even carrots make great substitutes or additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any veggies that take longer to cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist during reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Slice the beef and veggies, and store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the instructions as normal. It’ll save you time during a busy weeknight!
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
If you want to use something other than beef, chicken breast or shrimp are great alternatives and both cook quickly. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh. Be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly!
