Description
This Healthy Mediterranean Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful, and satisfying meal designed for busy weeknights. Tender beef is paired with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and bright lemon to create a dish that feels fresh, light, and filling at the same time. It comes together in one pan and delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors without complicated steps, making it perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
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1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Salt to taste
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
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Pat the sliced beef dry with paper towels and season it with salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
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Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
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Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
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Add the cherry tomatoes and return the cooked beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and adjust salt to taste.
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Stir everything together and cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
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Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
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Slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
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Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef to ensure proper browning.
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You can substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand.
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This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes