15- Minute Cast Iron Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This 15-Minute Cast Iron Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry is the kind of recipe that transforms weeknights into something extraordinary. Seared steak, crisp-tender vegetables, and a silky, umami-rich sauce come together beautifully in one pan. The cast iron skillet ensures every bite of steak is caramelized to perfection — never chewy, always tender. Best of all, much of this dish can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying in minutes.

Cooking stir-fry in a cast iron pan may sound unconventional, but it’s one of the best-kept secrets of restaurant-style flavor. The high heat allows the steak’s fat to melt beautifully, enhancing both texture and taste. Unlike nonstick pans, cast iron can handle the quick sear that locks in flavor and creates that signature stir-fry aroma. The combination of fresh vegetables, a balanced sauce, and a perfectly heated skillet creates a meal that rivals your favorite takeout — in less time than it takes to order it.

This was inspired by my Cast Iron Chicken Thighs recipe, and pairs well with this Pilaf recipe.

Ingredients for the Best Cast Iron Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry

When preparing this stir-fry, it’s best to have all your ingredients ready before heating the pan. The cooking process moves quickly once it starts, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Steak (thinly sliced — ribeye or sirloin work best)
• Red bell pepper, sliced
• Broccoli florets
• Carrots, thinly sliced into discs
• Sweet onion, thinly sliced
• Scallions, chopped
• Oil or butter for cooking
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Minced or grated fresh ginger
• Cornstarch + water
• Sesame oil
• Optional: Oyster sauce (for that restaurant-style depth)

See recipe card for quantities.

Quick Overview: 4 Steps to Make This Stir-Fry

This dish comes together in under 15 minutes once your ingredients are prepped. Here’s the quick overview before diving into full instructions:

1. Step 1: Sear the steak in a hot cast iron pan until golden and just cooked through.

2. Step 2: Remove the steak, then sauté your vegetables until crisp-tender.

3. Step 3: Whisk or shake the sauce ingredients together until smooth and glossy.

4. Step 4: Combine everything — steak, veggies, and sauce — and cook until the sauce thickens and coats beautifully.

Each step builds layers of flavor and texture, creating a quick meal that feels gourmet.

Hint: To save time, slice the steak and vegetables and make the sauce the night before. Then, when it’s time to cook, dinner comes together in just 15 minutes.

Substitutions to Fit Your Pantry

One of the best parts about stir-fry is how flexible it can be.
Here are some simple swaps if you’re missing ingredients:

• Soy sauce → tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
• Oyster sauce → hoisin or mushroom stir-fry sauce for vegetarian-friendly depth.
• Brown sugar → honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
• Rice wine vinegar → apple cider vinegar in a pinch.

Variations for This Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry

Stir-fry is wonderfully adaptable, and small changes can lead to entirely new flavor profiles. Try these easy variations:

• Swap steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• For heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free variation.

Equipment Needed

• Cast iron skillet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl or mason jar (for sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving bowl or plate
• Airtight containers (for leftovers)

Storage Tips for Leftover Stir-Fry

If you happen to have leftovers, they store beautifully for another quick meal.

• Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Store jasmine rice separately to keep it fluffy.

FAQs: 15-Minute Cast Iron Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry

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15-Minute Cast Iron Steak and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A fast, flavorful stir-fry made in a cast iron skillet with tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes and better than takeout!

Course Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine Asian Inspired

Keyword 15 minute meal, better than takeout, cast iron stir-fry, easy weeknight dinner, steak stir-fry

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 390kcal

Cost $40

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Chef’s knife
• cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl or mason jar
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Serving bowl or plate

Ingredients

• 2 lbs thinly sliced steak ribeye or sirloin
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1-2 carrots sliced into thin discs
• 1 sweet onion sliced
• 2 scallions chopped
• 2 tablespoon oil or butter
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

• Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter.
• Sear steak in batches, 2–3 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other. Remove and set aside.
• Add remaining oil and vegetables. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
• Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch slurry, and sesame oil in a jar. Shake until smooth.
• Add steak back to pan, pour sauce over, and toss to coat. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Serve hot over jasmine rice.

Notes

• Prep everything before you start — stir-fry moves fast!
• The optional oyster sauce gives it that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
• To reheat, use low heat and add a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
• This meal pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or your favorite stir-fry noodles.