Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Mushrooms

Looking for an easy beef stir fry with zucchini and mushrooms? This quick Chinese-style stir fry combines tender marinated beef, fresh zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic in a savory sauce that's perfect served over rice or noodles. It's a simple, flavorful dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes and is a great way to use up extra zucchini.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• Ingredients
• How to Make Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Mushrooms
• Variations
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Mushrooms
• More Delicious Beef Stir Fry Recipes
• Pin for later!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Great way to use fresh zucchini
• Tender marinated beef
• Simple ingredients you may already have on hand
• Delicious with rice or noodles
• Easy to customize with additional vegetables

About the Ingredients

Beef

Thinly sliced beef works best for stir fries because it cooks quickly while staying tender. Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or pre-sliced beef from the Asian grocery store are all great options.

For extra tender beef, slice against the grain and don't skip the cornstarch in the marinade.

Zucchini

Zucchini adds freshness, color, and a slightly sweet flavor. It cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking it if you want it to stay tender-crisp.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add lots of savory umami flavor and pair perfectly with beef. White button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms all work well in this recipe.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce adds depth, sweetness, and rich savory flavor to the stir fry. A little goes a long way.

If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute a mixture of soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

• 1 pound beef, such as flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or shaved beef
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine, such as Michiu or Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper

For the Stir Fry

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1 tablespoon rice wine, optional
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Beef Stir Fry with Zucchini and Mushrooms

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, combine the beef, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper.

Mix well and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the zucchini into half moons.

Slice the mushrooms and chop the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the cooking oil.

Add the garlic and stir fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add the marinated beef and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until mostly cooked through.

Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and beginning to release moisture.

If using rice wine, add it during the last minute of cooking the mushrooms and let it cook off slightly.

Add the zucchini and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the beef to the skillet.

Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Variations

Add Onions

Sliced onions add sweetness and extra flavor.

Make It Spicy

Add sliced jalapeños, Thai chilies, or a spoonful of chili crisp.

Add More Vegetables

This stir fry works well with:

• Snow peas
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Bok choy
• Asparagus

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best for stir fry?

Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, skirt steak, or shaved beef all work well. Slice thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.

Can I use other mushrooms?

Yes! Shiitake, cremini, oyster mushrooms, and button mushrooms are all excellent choices.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the beef and prep the vegetables up to a day in advance. Stir fry everything just before serving for the best texture.

What should I serve with this?

Steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or noodles all pair well with this beef zucchini mushroom stir fry.

More Delicious Beef Stir Fry Recipes

If you love quick and flavorful beef stir fries, here are a few more recipes to add to your dinner rotation!

Beef Vegetables Stir Fry - Tender marinated beef stir fried with baby corn, asparagus, carrots, and garlic in a savory oyster sauce. It's colorful, easy, and packed with flavor.

Beef and Onion Stir Fry - One of the simplest and most satisfying stir fries you can make. Tender beef and sweet onions are cooked in a savory sauce that's perfect with steamed rice.

Beef Noodles Stir Fry - Marinated beef, vegetables, and noodles tossed together in a delicious stir fry sauce. A complete meal in one pan!

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry - A homemade version of the restaurant favorite featuring tender beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce with plenty of flavor.

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