Authentic Chinese beef and vegetable stir fry is a quick, vibrant dish that brings the perfect harmony of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce to your dinner table. This classic recipe is loved for its simplicity, bold flavors, and healthy combination of ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, mastering this stir fry will add a flavorful Asian-inspired meal to your repertoire. The secret lies in using fresh vegetables, thinly sliced beef, and a well-balanced sauce to create a dish bursting with umami and texture.
It’s ideal for busy weeknights, packed with nutrition, and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to ensure you get that authentic taste and perfect stir fry technique. Plus, you’ll find handy tips and variations to customize it to your liking.
Ready to bring a taste of China to your home kitchen? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This authentic Chinese beef and vegetable stir fry is beloved for many reasons:
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables and lean beef, making it balanced and wholesome.
- Flavorful and Versatile: The rich sauce combines soy, garlic, and ginger for an umami-packed meal that pleases every palate.
- Customizable: Swap veggies or add spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
Ingredients
- 300g flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium for healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 100g snow peas, trimmed
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment
- Large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for ginger)
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well to coat and set aside for 10-15 minutes. This tenderizes the beef and helps create a silky sauce.
- Make the stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, and sugar. Stir until well combined and set aside.
- Heat the wok: Place your wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 1 minute, then stir-fry until just browned but still tender, about 2 more minutes. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry the aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the vegetables: Start with the carrots and broccoli, stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add the bell pepper, onion, and snow peas, continuing to stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared stir fry sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
“For the best stir fry, make sure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients to get that authentic sear and flavor.”
- Beef choice: Flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, but sirloin or skirt steak works well too.
- Vegetable swaps: Feel free to replace or add veggies like baby corn, bok choy, mushrooms, or zucchini based on seasonality and preference.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check all sauces for gluten content.
- Marinate longer: For extra tender beef, marinate for up to 1 hour in the fridge before cooking.
- Double the sauce: If you love saucy stir fries, simply double the sauce quantities.
- Vegetarian alternative: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based version.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28g |
Fat | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 5g |
Sodium | 700mg* |
*Sodium content may vary depending on the soy sauce and broth used.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry shines when served alongside simple, complementary sides:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the savory sauce perfectly.
- Egg Fried Rice: For a more indulgent twist, serve with homemade egg fried rice.
- Lo Mein or Chow Mein Noodles: Toss the stir fry over noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Steamed Dumplings or Spring Rolls: Create a full Chinese-inspired feast with these appetizers.
- Simple Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy side salad to balance the richness.
For more Asian-inspired recipes, check out our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals to explore flavorful plant-based dishes.
Conclusion
Mastering this authentic Chinese beef and vegetable stir fry recipe will elevate your weeknight dinners with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its quick cooking time and balanced nutrition make it a practical yet impressive dish to enjoy regularly.
The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and rich sauce is a testament to the simple yet powerful flavors of Chinese cooking. By following the tips and variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or alongside other dishes, this stir fry is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to explore more recipes like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try your hand at baking with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
For bread lovers, the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is another fantastic option to try.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your authentic taste of China right at home!
📖 Recipe Card: Authentic Chinese Beef and Veg Stir Fry
Description: A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef slices and fresh vegetables in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 300g flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger to wok; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to wok and toss everything together for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 12 g
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