Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Stir Fry
introduction
Cowboy Stir Fry is a hearty, no-fuss skillet meal that packs bold flavor into one pan — perfect for busy weeknights and hungry families. For a different twist on beef-and-veggie stir fries, try a lighter poultry version or use inspiration from this Mediterranean chicken stir-fry recipe to mix up the herbs and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Stir Fry :
- Bold, savory flavors that feel like comfort food with a kick.
- Ready in about 20–30 minutes — weeknight friendly.
- Great for meal prep: reheats well and stays juicy.
- Family-friendly: simple ingredients most people love.
- Flexible: easy to swap proteins or veggies based on what’s on hand.
Ingredients Needed :
Protein
- 1 lb steak tips, trimmed and partially frozen for easier slicing
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Oils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tsp if needed for veggies)
Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Toppings (optional)
- Chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds
- Hot sauce or chili flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
- Slice the steak tips into thin strips.
- Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the steak with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steak to the hot griddle and sear for a few minutes until browned.
- Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cowboy stir fry!
Serving Suggestions Cowboy Stir Fry
- Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Wrap the stir fry in warm flour tortillas for quick fajita-style tacos.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and roasted potatoes like these easy air fryer garlic parmesan potatoes for a comforting plate.
Tips for Success Cowboy Stir Fry
- Pat the steak dry before slicing to get a better sear.
- Slice against the grain and keep strips thin for tender bites.
- Heat the griddle or pan until shimmering to quickly sear meat without overcooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed so everything browns nicely.
- Add soy sauce at the end so it flavors without steaming the veggies.
- For extra caramelization, finish with a very high heat flash (30–60 seconds) right before serving; try serving with a simple baked side like an air fryer jacket potato for a filling meal.
variation (if any)
- Swap steak tips for thinly sliced flank steak, skirt steak, or chicken thighs.
- Make it spicy: add 1 tsp sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add soy sauce.
- Make it Southwestern: use smoked paprika and finish with chopped cilantro and lime.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen steak tips?
A: Yes — partially freeze for 15–20 minutes so they’re firmer and easier to slice thinly. Thaw completely before cooking.
Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
A: Cook vegetables over high heat and avoid overcrowding. Cook them only until crisp-tender (about 5–7 minutes) so they keep texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to preserve texture.
Q: What’s a good swap if I don’t have soy sauce?
A: Use tamari for gluten-free, or a light splash of Worcestershire mixed with a pinch of salt in a pinch.
Q: Is this dish grill-friendly if I don’t have a Blackstone?
A: Yes — a large cast-iron skillet, stainless pan, or outdoor griddle works great. Adjust heat as needed to get a good sear.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb steak tips, trimmed and partially frozen for easier slicing Use partially frozen steak for easier slicing.
Vegetables
- 2 pieces bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips Any color bell peppers will work.
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Oils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil Plus 1 tsp if needed for veggies.
Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Toppings (optional)
- Chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds
- Hot sauce or chili flakes for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
- Slice the steak tips into thin strips.
- Chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the steak with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Add the steak to the hot griddle and sear for a few minutes until browned.
- Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cowboy stir fry!
