Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef strips are cooked with garlic and fresh vegetables, then tossed in a savory soy sauce for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 500g beef strips
• 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 oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Return the beef to the pan, pour in soy sauce, and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Use a high heat and do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the beef sears nicely instead of steaming.
• Add ginger along with garlic for a fresh, spicy note.
• Swap vegetables based on preference or what you have on hand, such as snow peas or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for stir fry?

Yes, tender cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak work well. Slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Cook vegetables on high heat for just a few minutes until tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain their crunch and bright color.

Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

This Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry features tender strips of beef quickly cooked with aromatic garlic and colorful vegetables in a savory soy sauce-based glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

• Author: Cleo
• 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 pound beef strips (such as flank or sirloin)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots)

Other

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef into strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinate with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and minced garlic for 10 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering, which helps achieve a perfect sear on the beef.
3. Stir-fry Beef: Add the marinated beef strips to the hot skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. This keeps the vegetables vibrant and crunchy.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add an additional tablespoon of soy sauce and, if desired, the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce is heated through and coats the ingredients.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve the beef stir fry immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you may add sliced ginger or a splash of sesame oil during cooking.
• Adjust the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• Marinating the beef helps keep it tender and flavorful.
• Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or vegetable oil to prevent burning during stir-frying.
• Cook vegetables on high heat quickly to retain crunch and nutrients.

Keywords: Chinese beef stir fry, quick beef recipe, stir-fry vegetables with beef, easy Chinese dinner