Easy 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
Scale
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
