Introduction
Craving a delicious and tender Chinese-style beef dish that you can whip up in no time? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a tasty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With a few key ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have tender, flavorful beef that’s better than takeout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This helps to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Add the beef slices and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cooking the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: Add the beef broth and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced.
- Return the Beef: Add the cooked beef back into the skillet. Toss to coat the beef in the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is heated through.
Serving
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Chinese-Style Tender Beef
- Thin Slices: Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- High Heat: Cooking over high heat ensures that the beef sears quickly, locking in the juices and preventing it from becoming tough.
- Quick Marinade: Even a short marinade can make a big difference in flavor and tenderness. If you have more time, marinate the beef for up to 30 minutes.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or even tenderloin. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are great additions. Stir-fry the vegetables after searing the beef, then combine everything together with the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
By following this quick and easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious Chinese-style tender beef dish ready in no time. Perfect for a fast, flavorful meal that satisfies your cravings!