Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry

235

18

1.30k

When it comes to whipping up something flavorful and satisfying, my go-to has always been a classic stir fry. Recently, I rediscovered the joy of making Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry. This dish isn’t just a quick solution for an evening meal; it’s a symphony of vibrant colors and savory tastes that transports you straight to your favorite Asian bistro. The tender beef, combined with fresh vegetables and bold sauces, makes it an ideal weeknight dinner or an impressive option for a gathering.

Reasons to try it

There are plenty of reasons this Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry should be on your dinner rotation. First and foremost, it’s a time-saver, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s budget-friendly too, using ingredients you probably already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Plus, this dish is kid-approved; the tender beef and colorful veggies make for a fun meal that even picky eaters might enjoy.

"This stir fry is a revelation! Flavorful and so easy to whip up. It’s quickly become a staple in my household!" – A happy home cook

How this recipe comes together

Making this Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry is quite straightforward. Here’s what you can expect to do: First, you’ll tenderize the beef, ensuring it’s juicy and melts in your mouth. Next, you’ll prepare the vegetables and then stir-fry everything together. Finally, serve it over a bed of steaming white rice for a complete meal. Ready to dive in?

What you’ll need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious stir fry:

• Beef: 7 oz (200 g) of beef rump steak or flank (or any quick-cooking steak cut).
• Tenderizer: 1/2 tsp of baking soda for velveting the beef.
• Sauces:
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (light, or all-purpose, not dark soy),
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce,
  • 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin).
• Seasonings: 1 tsp white sugar, 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil, a pinch of white pepper (or substitute with black pepper).
• Thickener: 3 tsp cornstarch/corn flour,
• Liquid: 1/2 cup of water (divided).
• Oil: 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil.
• Aromatics: 1 garlic clove (finely minced), and 1/2 small onion (sliced).
• Vegetables:
  • 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced),
  • 1 small carrot (sliced),
  • 2 bok choy (prepared as indicated),
  • 2 green onions (cut into 3 cm pieces, separating the white parts).
• To Serve: Steamed white rice and optional sesame seeds.

Feel free to adjust the vegetable mix based on what’s in season or what you have available!

Step-by-step instructions

Pin It!

1. Velvet the beef: In a bowl, mix the beef with baking soda and 1 tbsp of water, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Remove excess moisture: Rinse the beef under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels. Toss it in a mix of cornstarch and a splash of water (just enough to coat).

4. Heat the oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat peanut oil over high heat.

5. Cook the beef: Add the beef in a single layer, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

6. Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add garlic, onion, and all vegetables except green onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.

7. Combine everything: Return the beef to the pan, add the sauce and the remaining water. Stir to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Garnish and serve: Lastly, sprinkle in the green onion tops and serve hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds.

Best ways to enjoy it

This Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a meal that offers endless serving possibilities. Serve it over fluffy steamed white rice for a classic touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with noodles for an alternative spin! Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or some spring rolls for a fuller dinner experience. The colorful presentation also makes it a great option for entertaining!

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. When reheating, simply pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain its moisture. Avoid freezing, as the beef and vegetables may lose their texture after thawing.

Tricks for success

1. Cutting the beef: Slice against the grain for tender pieces. This step is crucial for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Prep ahead: Chop your veggies before cooking to streamline the process. The faster you work, the better the stir fry!
3. High heat is key: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear the meat quickly and preserve the vegetables’ crunch.

Creative twists

Feel free to make this dish your own! Use different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Spice things up with some chili flakes or fresh ginger for an extra kick. You can also throw in a variety of vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or even baby corn based on your family’s preferences.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use frozen beef?
   Yes! Ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and slicing.

2. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free version and ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.

3. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
   Reheat and serve over freshly cooked rice or noodles for a quick second meal!

Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and a comforting warmth that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry

Please rate us

A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender beef and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering option.

Print it Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Beef

• 7 oz 200 g beef rump steak or flank or any quick-cooking steak cut
• 1/2 tsp baking soda for velveting the beef

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce light, or all-purpose, not dark soy
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• a pinch white pepper or substitute with black pepper

For Thickening

• 3 tsp cornstarch/corn flour
• 1/2 cup water divided

For Cooking

• 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil

For Aromatics

• 1 clove garlic finely minced
• 1/2 small onion sliced

For Vegetables

• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 small carrot sliced
• 2 pcs bok choy prepared as indicated
• 2 pcs green onions cut into 3 cm pieces, separating the white parts

To Serve

• steamed white rice
• optional sesame seeds

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix the beef with baking soda and 1 tbsp of water, allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Rinse the beef under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and toss it in a mix of cornstarch and a splash of water just enough to coat.

Cooking

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat peanut oil over high heat.
2. Add the beef in a single layer, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, onion, and all the vegetables except green onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan, add the sauce and the remaining water. Stir to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Lastly, sprinkle in the green onion tops and serve hot over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 1000mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!