This bok choy stir-fried beef dish is quick, tasty, and colorful! Juicy beef meets fresh bok choy, making it a real treat for your taste buds.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just sizzle everything in a pan, and you have a yummy meal in no time. Serve it over rice, and dinner is ready! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Flank steak is fantastic for stir-frying due to its flavor and tenderness when sliced thin. If you don’t have flank steak, consider using sirloin or even chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option.
Baby Bok Choy: Bok choy adds a nice crunch and mild flavor. If baby bok choy isn’t available, regular bok choy works too. For a different taste, try using kale or spinach.
Soy Sauce: This is key for flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake. For gluten-free needs, use tamari instead.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce gives a rich, savory taste. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushroom oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a dash of sugar instead.
Sesame Oil: Just a small amount adds depth. If unavailable, a little peanut oil can work, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Achieve Tender Beef in Stir-Fries?
Getting tender beef is all about technique! Start by marinating the beef — the cornstarch helps create a protective layer, keeping it juicy while cooking. Here’s how to cook your beef just right:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain, which helps ensure it’s tender.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to absorb and to tenderize.
- When cooking, heat your pan well and don’t overcrowd it; this helps in achieving a good sear!
- Remove the beef when it’s about 70% cooked; it will continue to cook with residual heat.
Following these tips will keep your beef nice and tender in this stir-fry!
The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
For the Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450 g) baby bok choy, cleaned and halved lengthwise
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
For the Sauces:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb all those flavors.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the beef is marinating, grab a small bowl and mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, sesame oil, sugar, and a touch of pepper. Set this sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Beef:
In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef, spread it out, and stir-fry until it’s about 70% cooked — you want it browned but still a bit pink inside. After that, remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry Aromatics and Bok Choy:
In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic, ginger, white parts of the green onions, and sliced chili (if using). Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Then, add the bok choy and continue to stir-fry until the greens have wilted and the stems are tender but still a bit crisp, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine and Finish:
Now, return the beef to the wok, pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, and toss everything well to combine. Heat it through until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef and bok choy deliciously.
6. Serve:
Transfer your stir-fry to a serving plate and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for a fantastic meal!
Enjoy this savory, balanced dish with tender beef and crisp-tender bok choy, full of umami flavor!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! While bok choy is a delicious choice, feel free to substitute with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, ensuring they remain crisp-tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well, as many brands contain wheat. The flavors will still be fantastic!
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This?
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even quinoa. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings for an added treat!
