Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef combines with fragrant garlic and crisp vegetables, all coated in a savory soy sauce for a satisfying meal.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a 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 3–5 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the soy sauce, and toss everything together to combine. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and a little cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Add a splash of sesame oil or sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for a nutty aroma.
• Use any vegetables you have on hand, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.

Storage

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through to avoid overcooking the beef.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work well as long as they are thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

Crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms all pair nicely and keep their texture after stir-frying.

Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

This Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices stir-fried with garlic and fresh vegetables in a savory soy sauce-based sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients and basic stir-frying techniques to deliver authentic Chinese flavors with minimal effort.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

• 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup snap peas

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Other

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain for tenderness. Marinate the beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and minced garlic for about 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
2. Preheat the pan: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve proper searing.
3. Stir-fry the beef: Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove beef from pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
4. Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
5. Add the sauce and combine: Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
• You can swap vegetables with your favorites or what you have on hand.
• Beef can be substituted with chicken, pork, or tofu for variation.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
• Ensure the skillet or wok is hot to get a good sear on the beef.

Keywords: Beef stir fry, Chinese beef recipe, easy stir fry, quick weeknight dinner, Chinese cuisine, beef and vegetables