This quick and easy Steak & Asparagus Stir Fry is a perfect weeknight dinner. The savory combination of tender steak, fresh asparagus, and colorful vegetables is complemented by a flavorful sesame ginger sauce. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you want something satisfying and fast.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • 3 tbsp tamari sauce or gluten-free soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp minced ginger

  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tsp chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha)

• For the Stir Fry:

  • 2 tbsp peanut oil

  • 8 oz top sirloin steak, thinly sliced

  • 12 oz asparagus, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal

  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into ½ inch strips

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl or shake them in a jar until smooth.

2. Stir Fry the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the mushrooms and thyme, stir frying for 2-3 minutes until tender and browned. Transfer mushrooms to a plate.

3. Cook the Steak: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat until hot. Add the steak in batches, searing each side for 30 seconds, then transferring it to the plate with the mushrooms.

4. Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the asparagus and bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry for 1 minute, then add 1 tablespoon of water and cook until the water evaporates.

5. Combine: Add the steak and mushrooms back to the pan along with the sauce. Stir to coat everything, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

6. Serve: Transfer to a platter, stir in cherry tomatoes, and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 239 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Protein: 17g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 33mg

• Sodium: 443mg

• Potassium: 768mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 11g

• Vitamin A: 1728 IU

• Vitamin C: 53mg

• Calcium: 52mg

• Iron: 4mg

The Savory Sesame Ginger Sauce

The sauce is what sets this stir fry apart from others. A well-balanced combination of orange juice, tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of chili paste, this sauce offers a blend of sweetness, acidity, heat, and umami that perfectly complements the steak and vegetables. The addition of orange juice lends a citrusy sweetness, while tamari or soy sauce provides the depth of savory umami. Brown sugar subtly enhances the sweetness without overpowering the dish, while rice vinegar adds a mild tang to balance the richness of the sesame oil and garlic.

The toasted sesame oil not only contributes a deep, nutty aroma but also gives the sauce its characteristic flavor, making each bite more satisfying. The minced ginger and garlic introduce fresh, aromatic notes, while the chili paste (such as sambal oelek or sriracha) adds just the right amount of heat to elevate the overall dish. The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy texture that coats the steak and vegetables beautifully.

By using a homemade sauce, you can avoid the overly salty and sugary options found in store-bought versions, providing a fresher and healthier alternative. Additionally, making the sauce from scratch gives you full control over the balance of flavors, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and heat according to your personal preferences.

Tender Steak: A Key Protein Source

In this stir fry, top sirloin steak is the star protein. Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, top sirloin is a great choice for stir-frying because it cooks quickly and remains juicy and tender. When sliced thinly against the grain, the steak becomes even more tender, making it easy to chew and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting overall body function. Each serving of this dish provides 17 grams of protein, making it a great option for those looking to meet their protein needs without relying on heavier cuts of meat. Steak also provides essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are important for energy production, immune health, and maintaining strong bones and muscles.

Cooking the steak in batches ensures that it is seared properly on all sides, locking in the juices and flavor. By quickly cooking the steak over high heat, you avoid overcooking it, ensuring that each piece remains tender and flavorful.

Fresh Vegetables: Packed with Nutrients

The combination of fresh vegetables in this stir fry adds both nutritional value and vibrant color. Asparagus, a key ingredient, is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. It is rich in fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it a great choice for maintaining healthy skin, supporting the immune system, and promoting bone health. Additionally, asparagus has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Cremini mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor to the stir fry while also providing important nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and fiber. These mushrooms have a slightly firmer texture than button mushrooms, making them perfect for stir-frying. The addition of red bell peppers brings a sweet, crisp crunch and a boost of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, while also contributing to the dish’s vitamin A and C content.

The vegetables are stir-fried quickly to maintain their color, crunch, and nutritional value. Stir-frying allows the vegetables to retain most of their vitamins and minerals, as they are cooked for a short amount of time over high heat, preserving their nutrients. The vegetables also absorb the flavors of the sesame ginger sauce, creating a cohesive and flavorful dish.

A Healthy and Balanced Meal

Steak & Asparagus Stir Fry is a well-rounded meal that provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The dish offers a moderate amount of fat (11 grams per serving), much of which comes from the healthy peanut oil and sesame oil used in the stir-fry process. These oils are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

With only 239 calories per serving, this stir fry is a light yet filling meal that fits into a healthy diet. The dish contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, including 3 grams of fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full longer. The presence of natural sugars from the vegetables and the orange juice in the sauce adds a mild sweetness without spiking your blood sugar levels.

This recipe is also packed with antioxidants from the vegetables and the garlic and ginger in the sauce. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy fats makes this stir fry a nutrient-dense meal that supports both short-term satiety and long-term health.

A Quick and Easy Meal for Busy Weeknights

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The stir-frying method ensures that the dish cooks quickly, allowing you to get dinner on the table without a lot of fuss. The minimal prep required—slicing the steak and vegetables and whisking together the sauce—makes this a fast, efficient meal for those who don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to swap in different vegetables or protein sources based on your preferences or what you have available. If you prefer chicken, shrimp, or tofu, you can easily substitute them for the steak, creating a dish that suits your dietary needs or taste preferences. The stir-fry technique works well with a variety of ingredients, making this recipe adaptable to whatever you’re craving.

Why This Dish Stands Out

Steak & Asparagus Stir Fry stands out due to its balance of flavors, quick preparation time, and health-conscious ingredients. The combination of tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory sesame ginger sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. By using a homemade sauce, you avoid the overly processed and often sugary store-bought alternatives, ensuring that your meal is not only delicious but also healthier.

The versatility of the recipe allows it to be customized for different tastes and dietary needs, while the nutritional profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat a balanced, wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, this stir fry is a quick, easy, and healthy option that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Steak & Asparagus Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that checks all the boxes for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With its combination of lean steak, fresh vegetables, and a homemade sesame ginger sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins. The stir-fry method ensures that the ingredients are cooked quickly while retaining their nutritional value, making it a great option for busy individuals who want a healthy meal in a short amount of time. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.