Beef Stir-Fry with Brown Rice and Vegetables

Ingredients

• Lean beef strips 5 oz
• Cooked brown rice 3/4 cup
• Mixed stir-fry vegetables 1.5 cups
• Soy sauce 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare ingredients. Gather all ingredients. If your beef strips are not pre-cut, slice lean beef into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse and chop vegetables if not pre-cut. Measure out the cooked brown rice and soy sauce.
   Tip: Using cooked and cooled rice prevents it from being mushy during stir-frying.
2. Heat the pan and oil. Place a large non-stick skillet or wok on medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the surface evenly.
   Tip: Make sure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to get a good sear on the beef.
3. Cook the beef strips. Add the beef strips to the hot pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes to develop a nice brown color, then stir or flip to cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until browned but still tender.
   Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
4. Add vegetables. Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables to the pan with the beef. Stir-fry together for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
   Tip: Keep the heat high to quickly cook the vegetables while retaining their crunch and color.
5. Add soy sauce and rice. Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the beef and vegetables. Then add the cooked brown rice. Stir everything together thoroughly, breaking up any clumps of rice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
   Tip: Taste and adjust soy sauce if needed, but be careful not to add too much to keep sodium in check.
6. Serve hot. Turn off the heat. Transfer the beef stir-fry with brown rice and vegetables to a plate or bowl. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
   Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Pro tips

• Use a wok or large skillet to allow enough space for stir-frying without overcrowding.
• Prep all ingredients before cooking since stir-frying happens quickly.