Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil for sautéing
1 and 1/2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil for vegetables
3/4 to 1 pound thinly sliced sirloin steak (alternatives include flank steak, chuck steak, or skirt steak)
3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half moons
1/2 of a white or yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt (divided, with some for the steak and some for the vegetables)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided, with some for the steak and some for the vegetables)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Sliced green onions for optional garnish
Sesame seeds for optional garnish
Instructions
1-Getting started with this Zucchini Beef Stir Fry begins with some smart prep work to keep things efficient. Begin by thinly slicing 3/4 to 1 pound of sirloin steak against the grain into strips; season it lightly with part of the 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Next, slice 3 medium zucchinis into half moons and thinly slice half of a white or yellow onion, while also measuring out 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix together 1/4 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to form the sauce base. This initial setup ensures your Zucchini Beef Stir Fry comes together smoothly under high heat.
2-Once prepped, move to heating and searing the beef. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sirloin steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s browned but still slightly pink inside; remove it from the skillet and set aside, keeping any juices in the pan. This step locks in the beef’s flavors and prevents overcooking, which is key for a tender Zucchini Beef Stir Fry. If adapting for dietary needs, like using flank steak, adjust the cooking time slightly to maintain tenderness.
3-Now, cook the aromatics and vegetables by reducing the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil, then toss in the sliced zucchinis and onion. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, then sauté for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the zucchini is tender yet crisp. Discover zucchini health benefits to see why this veggie shines in stir-fries. For variations, you could add other vegetables here, but remember to adjust cook times to keep your Zucchini Beef Stir Fry balanced.
4-Combine everything and finish the sauce by pouring in the 1/4 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce and the 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is warmed through and coated. This Zucchini Beef Stir Fry with Garlic Sauce step ensures the flavors meld perfectly, and for gluten-free options, stick with low-sodium soy sauce alternatives. Taste and tweak as needed; the total cook time is around 12 minutes, with high heat helping to create that savory finish.
5-Finally, add the final touches by garnishing with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if you like. Serve right away, perhaps over rice for a complete meal. With a prep time of 5 minutes and total time of 17 to 20 minutes, this Zucchini Beef Stir Fry is adaptable swap beef for other proteins if needed, and always aim for medium-high heat to keep things juicy. Here’s where the nutritional info comes in: per serving, you’re looking at 394 calories, 9g carbs, 46g protein, and a host of vitamins like 27mg of Vitamin C, making it a nutritious choice for various diets.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥩 Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
🍳 Avoid overcrowding the skillet to promote browning instead of steaming.
🌿 Coconut aminos offer a soy-free, slightly sweet alternative to soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: American/Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1046 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
