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Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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