Description
Discover how to make tender, flavorful beef in just minutes with this quick and easy Asian-inspired stir-fry recipe. Using thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin marinated with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of baking soda for extra tenderness, this dish is seared and stir-fried to perfection with garlic and ginger. Finished with a drizzle of sesame oil, it’s perfect served over rice or steamed vegetables for a satisfying main course that comes together in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional for extra tenderness)
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces, and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering to ensure a good sear on the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to develop a caramelized crust, then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is mostly cooked through but still tender.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- Finish with Sauce: Pour in the water or beef broth and let it cook for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef evenly. Remove from heat and drizzle the sesame oil over the top for a nutty finish.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef immediately with steamed rice or your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Baking soda helps break down tough muscle fibers, making the beef extraordinarily tender—optional but recommended.
- Always slice beef thinly against the grain to ensure the most tender bite.
- This quick-cook stir-fry technique pairs well with various sauces; try swapping in hoisin, black pepper, or chili garlic sauce for flavor variations.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce if desired.
- Serve promptly after cooking to enjoy optimal tenderness and flavor.
