Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir fry combining four bold spices with three colorful vegetables and tender beef strips for an aromatic, savory meal. This asian ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp five-spice powder. Marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Toss the marinated beef with 1 tsp cornstarch to lightly coat the pieces.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the edges begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup snap peas, and 2 medium carrot matchsticks to the wok. Stir fry together with the beef for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Mix 2 tbsp water into the wok to deglaze and create a light sauce, cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quaternary-Spiced Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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