Savory and Quick Beef Stir Fry: A Perfect Weeknight Recipe

Ingredients

  • 400g Beef Strips
  • 1 tablespoon Oil
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 Medium-sized Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets
  • 1 Carrot, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Spring Onions for garnish
  • Steamed Rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef strips to the pan and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions.
  8. Serve the beef stir fry over steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Large Pan or Wok - A large pan or wok is needed to stir fry the beef and vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is essential for chopping the vegetables and preparing the ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the vegetables and cutting the beef into strips.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and easily.
  • Grater - A grater is needed to grate the ginger for the recipe.
  • Whisk - A whisk can be used to dissolve the cornstarch in water before adding it to the stir fry.
  • Spatula or Stirring Spoon - A spatula or stirring spoon is required for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary to accurately measure the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

Recipe variations

  • Replace beef with chicken or shrimp
  • Add different vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn
  • Include sliced water chestnuts for added crunch
  • Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce
  • Try marinating the meat in a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for the meat
  • Add a handful of cashews or peanuts for additional texture
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist
  • For a low-carb option, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice instead of steamed rice

Recipe overview

This Beef Stir Fry recipe is a simple and delicious dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with tender strips of beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables, all coated in a flavorful soy and oyster sauce, it brings the wonderful tastes of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for those busy evenings. The end result is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that goes perfectly with steamed rice. Enjoy the process of stir-frying with this easy and satisfying recipe.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?
    Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer.
  2. Is it necessary to marinate the beef before cooking?
    No, marinating is not necessary for this recipe. However, you can marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for added flavor if desired.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini.
  4. What can I serve with this beef stir fry?
    Steamed rice is the most common accompaniment, but you can also serve it with noodles or even on top of a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.
  5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    Yes, if you prefer some heat, you can add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the stir fry while cooking.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Cook and combine everything just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
  7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    The recipe itself is gluten-free, but make sure to check the labels of your soy sauce and oyster sauce, as some brands may contain gluten. You can use gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan or Wok - A large pan or wok is needed to stir fry the beef and vegetables.
  • Knife - A knife is required for slicing the bell peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, and carrot.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping and slicing the vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch required for the recipe.
  • Whisk or Fork - A whisk or fork can be used to dissolve the cornstarch in water before adding it to the stir fry.
  • Spatula or Tongs - A spatula or tongs are handy for flipping and stirring the beef and vegetables while stir frying.
  • Serving Plates or Bowls - Serving plates or bowls are needed to present the beef stir fry.
  • Chopped Spring Onions for Garnish - Chopped spring onions can be used as a garnish to add freshness and flavor.

Origin stories

Stir-frying, the cooking technique used in making this dish, originated from China as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It involves cooking small pieces of meat and vegetables in a small amount of hot oil while stirring continuously in a wok. The technique ensures the ingredients are cooked quickly and retain their crunchiness and nutritional value. Beef Stir Fry, although enjoyed worldwide today, is thought to have found its roots in the Cantonese culinary tradition. The Cantonese were among the first Chinese immigrants to America during the California gold rush, and they brought with them this quick and healthy meal, which they would often make in the gold fields. It has since become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and has traveled back across the ocean to be enjoyed by many in Asia and around the world. Isn't it fascinating how a simple dish can tell a story of centuries of culinary tradition and migration?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.