close up shot of chipotle lime beef stir-fry with quinoa in a bowl

Beef stir fry

chipotle lime beef stir fry with quinoa

By:

WordofMany

Published:

07 Oct 2025

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I remember the first time I tried something similar to this dish. My friend, Sarah, had just returned from a trip to Mexico, bursting with stories and new recipes. She made this incredible beef stir-fry with a smoky, spicy kick that completely won me over. Of course, I had to try making it myself and you know, I think it came out amazing, what do you think?
Ingredients for chipotle lime beef stir fry on a wooden board
What makes this dish special is the marinade. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a deep, smoky heat, while fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness. The quinoa, a complete protein, offers a nutty base that complements the robust flavors of the beef. It's really easy to swap out for other grains, if you prefer. Farro or brown rice works amazing, too!
Beef strips marinating in chipotle lime sauce in a glass bowl

Required Equipments

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Chipotle Lime Beef Stir Fry with Quinoa: Frequently Asked Questions

Chipotle Lime Beef Stir Fry with Quinoa

This Chipotle Lime Beef Stir-Fry with Quinoa is a vibrant and flavorful dish, combining tender beef strips with a zesty chipotle lime marinade, served over a bed of fluffy quinoa. It's a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside. If its to wet, drain of the excess water.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice (from about 1-2 limes), 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced, depending on your spice preference), 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 pound of beef sirloin (cut into thin strips) to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. I know waiting sucks, but it's worth it!
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, chop 1 bell pepper (any color) into strips, slice 1 red onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Get all those veggies ready to go.
  4. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Seriously, don't skip this or you'll have tough beef!
  5. Cook the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced red onion and bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Watch out for the garlic burning.
  6. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in any remaining marinade from the bowl. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is were the magic happens! Don't be tempted to skip this step.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top with the chipotle lime beef stir-fry. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy! It's also great the next day.

📝 Notes

  • Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your spice preference.
  • For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or black beans.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 40 g

Fat: 18 g

Carbohydrates: 45 g

Fiber: 8 g

Calcium: 80 mg

The kitchen is my canvas, and food is my art. Every meal tells a story, seasoned with love and flavored with memories.

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