Savory Beef Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce and Crisp Vegetables
This Savory Beef Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce is a delightful fusion of tender beef, vibrant green onions, and your choice of fresh snow peas or broccoli, all tossed in a rich oyster sauce. Marinated for optimal flavor, the beef absorbs a blend of aromatics including ginger and sesame oil, creating a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, and it pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice. Enjoy a dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine right in your own kitchen!
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean beef sirloin
1 lb (pounded and thinly sliced into 1-inch squares)
green onions
15 pieces (cut to 1-inch lengths)
ginger
15 slices (julienned)
snow peas or broccoli
1/2 lb (trimmed snow peas or broccoli cut into florets)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
4 teaspoons
cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
water
5 tablespoons (divided)
peanut oil
2 tablespoons
oyster sauce
2 tablespoons (preferably Lee Kum Kee brand)
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon
rice wine
1/2 tablespoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Instructions
1
1. Slice the beef sirloin thinly into 1-inch squares. In a bowl, combine the beef with baking soda, 1 teaspoon of sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons of water. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
2
2. While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. If using snow peas, simply trim the ends. If using broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. Set the vegetables aside.
3
3. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Stir-fry the prepared vegetables until they are crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the wok and arrange them on a plate.
4
4. In the same wok, add 4 tablespoons of oil and heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Stir-fry until the beef is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
5
5. Add the julienned ginger and chopped green onions to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
6
6. Return the cooked beef to the wok, stirring quickly to combine with the ginger and green onions. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine, and salt to create a seasoning sauce.
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7. Pour the seasoning sauce over the beef mixture in the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
8
8. Serve the savory beef stir-fry over the arranged vegetables, and enjoy with hot steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
4g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of meat for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean beef sirloin, which should be pounded and thinly sliced into 1-inch squares.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
Why is baking soda included in the beef marinade?
Baking soda is used as a tenderizer for the beef, ensuring the meat stays soft and juicy during the high-heat stir-fry.
What vegetables can I use for this stir-fry?
You can use either 1/2 lb of trimmed snow peas or broccoli cut into bite-sized florets, or a combination of both.
Which brand of oyster sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Lee Kum Kee brand oyster sauce for the most authentic flavor.
How should the ginger be prepared?
You should use 15 slices of ginger and julienne them into thin strips.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to coat the beef, which aids in browning and allows the sauce to cling to the meat later.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The vegetables should be stir-fried for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Should I cook all the beef at once?
No, the beef should be added in batches to ensure the pan is not overcrowded, allowing for proper browning in 3-4 minutes.
What type of oil is used for the vegetables?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of peanut oil for stir-frying the vegetables.
What are the ingredients in the seasoning sauce?
The seasoning sauce is a blend of 1 tablespoon of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch, sesame oil, rice wine, and salt.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe requires 15 pieces of green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths.
What is the calorie count per serving?
This recipe contains approximately 113 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 9g of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carbohydrate meal?
Yes, the dish contains only 4g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the ginger and green onions to the wok?
Add them to the wok after the beef has been cooked and removed, then stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
Pour the seasoning sauce over the beef mixture and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
How should the dish be served?
The savory beef stir-fry should be served over the pre-cooked vegetables with a side of hot steamed rice.
What type of heat is required for stir-frying?
A medium-high heat is recommended for both the vegetables and the beef to achieve the correct texture.
What kind of rice wine should I use?
The recipe calls for standard rice wine, which is common in Chinese cuisine for adding depth to sauces.
How much sugar is used in total?
A total of 4 teaspoons of sugar are used, divided between the marinade and the seasoning sauce.
How much total water is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 5 tablespoons of water in total, divided across different stages.
Can I substitute peanut oil?
While peanut oil is recommended for flavor and high heat, you can use another high-smoke-point oil if necessary.
Is the beef pounded before or after slicing?
The beef should be pounded first and then thinly sliced into 1-inch squares.
What is the total amount of oyster sauce used?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce.
Does the recipe use soy sauce?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce is used specifically in the beef marinade.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
If using broccoli, it should be cut into bite-sized florets before stir-frying.
How much salt is in the seasoning sauce?
The seasoning sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for both busy weeknights and for entertaining guests.
What makes the beef absorb the flavor?
The combination of the marinade ingredients and the 1-hour resting time allows the beef to fully absorb the aromatics like ginger and sesame oil.