Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
