Beef & Veggie Stir Fry with Broccoli & Zucchini - A tasty & healthy weeknight meal!

Who doesn't crave the taste of Chinese take out?! You know what I'm talking about... the saucy bites of peppered beef with crunchy veggies or sauced up noodles with crispy chicken and unlimited variations of other toppings?? I must admit, I get these cravings often! Growing up in the Greater Toronto Area (technically I grew up in Brampton, B-town represent! LOL ...oh geez...) there wasn't really a shortage of Chinese take out spots to curb those cravings!

But now that I'm trying to practice my home-cooking skills, I find myself making a variation of a stir-fry every couple weeks or so. Instead of running to my local takeout restaurant, I'm finding it pretty easy and deliciously satisfying to make these myself. The beauty of stir fry recipes is that you can basically take whatever ingredients you have in your fridge and with some basic pantry items, make a well-rounded, delicious and nourishing meal in minutes!

Another random thought on stir-frys... is it just me, or is this a dish that most new cooks try out first? I remember attempting stir frys and fried rice as my first foray into the cooking world! It's just one of those recipes that are less intimidating and pretty much error free!

So random thoughts aside, wanted to share with you my most recent stir fry recipe that you really can have on your table in minutes!

Beef & Veggie Stir Fry

Serves 4

2 tbsp vegetable oil

3 cloves of garlic, sliced

8 slices of "fast fry" steak, cut into strips - you can find these in the meat freezer section of your grocery store, I just bought 1 pack of fast fry steaks and there were about 8 thin slices

1/4 C soy sauce

1 head of broccoli, chopped

1 medium sized zucchini, sliced into half moons

1 tbsp of sambal oelek (Chili pepper sauce, see link to product below)

salt and pepper, to taste

1. On medium heat, sautee the garlic in the oil until light brown. Add in the fast fry steak, that has been cut into strips. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, for about 6-8 minutes and until the steak is cooked through.

2. Add in the broccoli and zucchini, mix to combine with the meat. Once all mixed, add in the soy sauce, the sambal and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir so that the meat and veg are coated with the sauces. Reduce the heat to low and then cover the pan with a lid. The vegetables will release some moisture and will cook down faster.

3. After about 8 - 10 minutes, remove the lid and check for done-ness. You want the veggies to be cooked but not falling apart and the meat to be tender. Once your completed done-ness is achieved, serve on top of white rice & enjoy!