Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef strips are cooked with savory sauces and fragrant garlic and ginger for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 250g beef strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry until browned and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, then toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the sauce and cooked through.
Tips & Variations
- For extra color and nutrition, add sliced bell peppers or broccoli during step 2 and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce for 15 minutes beforehand to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use sesame oil instead of regular oil for a nuttier taste.
Storage
Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the beef tender.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works best for quick stir-frying as they cook quickly and stay tender.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
PrintEasy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe
This Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender strips of beef cooked to perfection in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner, this stir fry offers a delightful combination of rich umami flavors and aromatic spices, all coming together in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef strips (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Aromatics and Oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil suitable for high heat stir-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. In a bowl, marinate the beef strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the oyster sauce for at least 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to get hot but not smoking for optimal searing.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds to release their aroma without burning.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef strips to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry rapidly to brown the meat evenly, about 3-5 minutes depending on thickness, until it is just cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Toss: Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Stir everything to coat the beef evenly in the sauces and aromatics for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat once the beef is tender and coated with the flavorful sauce. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crisp vegetables, you can stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli separately and add them in at the end.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and browning of the beef.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for best results.
- Marinate the beef at least 10 minutes, but you can also prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to taste, especially if using low sodium varieties.
Keywords: Chinese beef stir fry, easy beef recipe, quick stir fry, beef strips, soy sauce stir fry
