If you're craving a quick, flavorful meal that delivers bold barbecue taste with the crisp freshness of stir-fried vegetables, this BBQ Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is the perfect dish. Think tender slices of beef caramelized in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, tossed with vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and onions—all cooked to perfection in just minutes. It’s a fusion of classic stir-fry technique with the comforting flavors of barbecue, making it a perfect weeknight meal or meal-prep option.
Classic BBQ Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the BBQ Stir-Fry Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce smoky or sweet, based on preference
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch. This helps create a crispy texture when stir-fried and thickens the sauce later.
Make the BBQ Stir-Fry Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the skillet. Toss in the bell peppers, broccoli, and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the BBQ stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and veggies.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Pairings
This BBQ beef stir-fry goes great with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up all the smoky-sweet sauce.
- Garlic Noodles – Adds an extra layer of umami.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Complements the BBQ flavors.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich stir-fry.
FAQs
1. What’s the best beef for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best since they cook quickly and remain tender. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
4. What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
A smoky or sweet BBQ sauce works best, but if you like spice, try a chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.