If you’re craving a quick and easy Chinese-style tender beef dish, this recipe is perfect! It’s packed with flavor, and the beef is super tender thanks to a simple marinade and a fast stir-fry technique. Here’s how to make Quick & Easy Chinese-style Tender Beef:
Quick & Easy Chinese-style Tender Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin works best)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar (or cooking wine), cornstarch, and sesame oil. Stir well.
- Toss the beef slices in the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Veggies:
- While the beef is marinating, slice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic and chop the green onions for garnish.
- Stir-fry the Beef:
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a nice brown color, then stir-fry until it’s cooked through and browned (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Veggies:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the sliced onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Add the ground ginger (or fresh ginger) and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked beef back into the pan and stir everything together for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the beef is well-coated in the sauce and everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve the beef hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Tenderizing Tip: The cornstarch in the marinade helps tenderize the beef and give it a silky texture, which is key to achieving the “Chinese restaurant-style” beef.
- Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots, depending on what you like or have available.
- Flavor Variations: If you prefer a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili pepper to the stir-fry.
This Quick & Easy Chinese-style Tender Beef comes together in no time and gives you that flavorful, restaurant-quality taste right at home. Enjoy!
