• Fri. Jan 16th, 2026
Lemon-Pepper Beef & Veggie TossLemon-Pepper Beef & Veggie Toss. Picture: Supplied

Happy Monday my fam! Yoh…!

I’m still trying to process the fact that this is the second-last Monday of 2025. Like… excuse me?? This year really said blink and I’m gone.

So how are we feeling with Christmas literally around the corner? Are we deep in the festive mood, playlist on repeat, menu already planned, or did that SAWS weather warning just come through and completely messed with your vibes, or maybe you are side-eyeing the sky like “hmmmmm”, OR maybe you have already decided that rain, clouds, sunshine or drama will not cancel Christmas this year?

Whatever your mood is right now fam, just know this: food always understands us. Food never judges. Food always comes through.

And today’s mood on the plate? A Lemon-Pepper Beef & Veggie Toss. A quick, one-skillet beauty with tender beef strips, colourful crunchy veggies, and a fresh lemony kick. Big on flavour, light on heaviness—perfect for this in-between season we are in.

Alright my people, let’s get comfy and cook together… let’s get right into it.

How to make a Lemon-Pepper Beef & Veggie Toss

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 250 g beef sirloin or steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 small courgette (zucchini), sliced
  • 1 small carrot, cut into thin strips
  • ½ red onion, sliced
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional add-ins:

  • Fresh parsley or coriander
  • A splash of soy sauce
  • Chilli flakes

Method:

  1. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add beef strips, season with salt and pepper, and sear quickly until just browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Cook the veggies: In the same pan, add onion, carrot, and courgette. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes — keep them slightly crisp.
  3. Bring it together: Return the beef to the pan. Add paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until glossy and fragrant.
  4. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with herbs or chilli if using. Serve on its own or with a small portion of rice or flatbread.

    HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?: Today’s Tasty Pick: Friday Crunch & Sweet Snack Board

By Asanda Mbayimbayi

Asanda Mbayimbayi is an award-winning Lifestyle & Entertainment News Editor and Journalist celebrated for her dynamic voice in digital lifestyle, entertainment, and hard news journalism. Honoured with the Galliova People’s Hero 2025 Award for her authentic storytelling and powerful connection with audiences, she continues to redefine journalism with purpose, empathy, and impact. With an instinct for uncovering stories that resonate and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Asanda brings clarity, depth, and heart to every piece she crafts. Beyond the newsroom, she wears many hats — Researcher, Qualified Bible Teacher, Content Creator, Producer, Motivational Speaker, and Book Editor to name a few — using her creative and spiritual insight to inspire transformation through words. Whether leading editorial teams, producing meaningful content, or motivating audiences, Asanda stands as a storyteller driven by faith, purpose, and the power of narrative to connect and inspire.