curried zucchini beef stir-fry in a wok

Beef stir fry

curried zucchini beef stir fry: a flavorful fusion adventure

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

09 Sept 2025

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Okay, so let's be real for a second. We've all been there, staring into the fridge at 6 PM wondering what on EARTH to cook. I get it. The struggle is real. That's why I'm absolutely thrilled to share this recipe with you – it's fast, it's easy, and it’s packed with flavor. This Curried Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry is my go-to when I want something healthy and delicious, but I don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up that zucchini that's been sitting in your crisper drawer, judging you… you know the one. I remmeber the first time I tried something similar at this small Thai resturant. I didn't know what to expect!
ingredients for curried zucchini beef stir-fry
What makes this stir-fry so special? It's all about the curry! A blend of warm, aromatic spices transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The combination of tender beef, slightly sweet zucchini, and that incredible curry sauce is simply divine. I sometimes even toss in some leftover rice or noodles to bulk it out. Feel free to experiment with different types of curry powder too. Each brand has a slightly different flavor profile, so find one that you absolutely love. And don’t be afraid to add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat! Honestly I feel so great when the food is done!
close-up of beef being stir-fried in a wok

Required Equipments

  • Wok or Large Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Curried Zucchini Beef Stir Fry: A Flavorful Fusion Adventure: Frequently Asked Questions

Curried Zucchini Beef Stir Fry: A Flavorful Fusion Adventure

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this Curried Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry. Tender beef strips, fresh zucchini, and aromatic curry spices come together for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain into approximately 2-inch long strips. This ensures maximum tenderness. Place the beef strips in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In the bowl with the beef, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with flavor. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Trim off both ends, and then slice it into half-moons about 1/4-inch thick. Set aside.
  4. Mince the Aromatics: Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate about 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger. Having these aromatics ready to go will make the stir-frying process smooth and efficient.
  5. Mix the Curry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Ensure there are no clumps of curry powder and that the honey is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
  6. Heat the Wok: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering and almost smoking – this is crucial for getting that wok hei (smoky wok flavor).
  7. Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Stir-fry quickly for about 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned on all sides but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. Avoid overcrowding the wok, as this will steam the beef instead of searing it.
  8. Sauté the Aromatics: Add another 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the wok if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  9. Add the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the wok. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp. It should still have a bit of bite to it.
  10. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the zucchini. Pour the curry sauce over the beef and zucchini. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is well combined.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Remove the wok from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Feel free to add a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

📝 Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute the beef with chicken or tofu.
  • Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 25 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 80 mg

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