Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy garlic sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the soy sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and well coated. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Try adding ginger or a splash of sesame oil for an added aromatic touch.
• Use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand to customize the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this stir fry?

Yes, chicken, pork, or shrimp can be used as alternatives to beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked properly.

What vegetables work best in a beef stir fry?

Vegetables that cook quickly and retain some crunch are ideal, such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and mushrooms.

Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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A quick and flavorful Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry featuring tender beef slices cooked with garlic and a medley of fresh vegetables in a savory soy sauce-based stir fry sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal served over rice or noodles.

• Author: Elias
• 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 1x2x3x

Beef

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water

Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup snow peas

Oil

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness during cooking. Set aside.
2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, cornstarch (if using), sugar, and water. Stir until well mixed.
3. Heat the oil: In a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Stir-fry the beef: Add the sliced beef to the hot oil in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
5. Cook the vegetables: In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed, then add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Combine beef and sauce: Return the beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Cutting the beef thinly and against the grain helps keep it tender.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, cornstarch is a great thickener when dissolved in water and added to the soy sauce mixture.
• Feel free to use any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as mushrooms, baby corn, or bok choy.
• Serve your stir fry immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Chinese beef stir fry, quick beef stir fry, Chinese stir fry recipe, beef and vegetable stir fry