Name: Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 7 oz / 200 g beef rump steak or flank (any quick-cooking steak cut); 1/2 tsp baking soda (bi-carb), for tenderising; 2 tbsp light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy; not dark soy); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp beef or chicken stock; 1 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil; Pinch white pepper (or black pepper); 3 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 cup water, separated; 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 small onion, sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small carrot, peeled, halved lengthwise, sliced thinly on the diagonal; 2 bok choy, stems and leaves separated; 2 green onions, cut into 3 cm pieces (white parts separate from green); Steamed rice; Sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you are craving a delicious, quick meal that bursts with authentic flavor, this Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender, velvety beef paired with crisp vegetables and a rich, savory sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to favorite that’s both comfort food and restaurant-quality all in one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny silver metal bowl filled with many thin strips of raw red meat that look wet and glossy, with visible texture and slight marbling. Inside the bowl, a silver spoon with a detailed handle rests on the right side, partially under the meat. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to making this Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe a hit. Each component plays a vital role—from tenderizing the beef to adding crunch and color with fresh veggies, and building that deeply flavorful sauce that ties everything together.

Beef rump steak or flank, 7 oz / 200 g: Choose a quick-cooking, tender cut for the best texture.
Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: Helps to velvet the beef, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
Light soy sauce, 2 tbsp: Adds the essential salty umami foundation; avoid dark soy for this recipe.
Oyster sauce, 1 tbsp: Delivers a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Beef or chicken stock, 2 tbsp: Enriches the sauce with savory body and flavor.
White sugar, 1 tsp: Balances the savory elements by adding a hint of sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil, 1/2 tsp: Introduces a warm, nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
White pepper, pinch: Offers a gentle heat; black pepper works as a substitute.
Cornstarch, 3 tsp: Thickens the sauce for a glossy, clingy finish.
Water, 1/2 cup (separated): Used to dissolve the cornstarch for smooth sauces.
Peanut oil, 1 1/2 tbsp: Ideal for high-heat stir frying without overpowering flavors.
Garlic clove, minced: Brings pungency and fragrance that wakes up every bite.
Onion, 1/2 small, sliced: Adds sweetness and texture.
Red bell pepper, 1/2, sliced: Brightens the dish with color and crunch.
Carrot, 1 small, thinly sliced diagonally: Adds sweetness and vibrant orange hues.
Bok choy, 2 (stems and leaves separated): Balances the dish with fresh greens and crisp stems.
Green onions, 2 (3 cm pieces, whites separate from greens): Adds layered onion flavor and crunch.
Steamed rice: The perfect base to soak up all the savory sauce.
Sesame seeds (optional): Provides a nutty garnish and attractive finish.

How to Make Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Velvet the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef in baking soda to soften the meat fibers—this technique ensures your beef stays tender throughout the quick stir fry. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove the baking soda and pat it dry. This step is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Mix together your light soy sauce, oyster sauce, stock, sugar, toasted sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper. Take about 1 1/2 tablespoons of this mixture to coat the beef, infusing those flavors from the start. To the remaining sauce, stir in cornstarch until fully smooth, then add water to create a thickening slurry that will give you a glossy, luscious finish.

Step 3: Stir Fry

Heat peanut oil in a wok or large pan over high heat—this intense heat is critical to a quick, even sear. Toss in the onion and garlic first, stirring just until fragrant, then add your beef. Cook the beef only until it changes color; it will finish cooking later with the sauce. Next, add your colorful bell pepper, carrot slices, bok choy stems, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir fry everything together for about a minute to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant. Pour in the thickening sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats every piece beautifully. Finish by tossing in bok choy leaves and green onion greens, cooking just until they wilt, preserving their fresh flavors.

Step 4: Serve

Dish up your stir fry piping hot over freshly steamed rice. If you want to add an extra touch of texture and nuttiness, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. You’ll love how each bite is bursting with a perfect balance of tender beef, fresh crisp veggies, and that irresistible savory sauce.

How to Serve Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with a colorful stir-fry layer featuring pieces of brown meat, bright red bell pepper strips, orange carrot slices, green leafy vegetables, and green snap peas, all coated in a shiny sauce with white sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The bowl is placed on a light gray cloth napkin over a white plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While sesame seeds are a classic choice to add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma, you can also sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or sliced fresh chili for a vibrant, fresh twist. A few drops of extra toasted sesame oil drizzled on top just before serving will amp up the fragrance and richness.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, letting the sauce soak into fluffy grains. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups. A simple bowl of miso soup or steamed dumplings can also round out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, homemade feel. For entertaining, arrange it attractively on a large platter with rice on the side and garnish with fresh herbs. You can even wrap bits of the stir fry in lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held bite that’s as fresh as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover beef stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The beef and vegetables retain their texture nicely if properly cooled, making it perfect for quick next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely, then portion it out for easy thawing. Keep in mind that some vegetables may soften more after freezing, so freshening them up with a quick sauté after reheating can help.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the stir fry gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or stock can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Microwaving works well too, but be sure to cover the dish to keep moisture in.

FAQs

What is velveting beef?

Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that uses baking soda or cornstarch to tenderize meat, keeping it juicy and soft during fast cooking like stir fries. It’s perfect for lean cuts of beef that can become tough if overcooked.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak, sirloin, or rump steaks work well because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Avoid thicker or tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate or cook them slowly.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds a rich, umami depth that’s signature to many Chinese stir fries. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a small amount of mushroom sauce, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your veggies and tofu are perfectly cooked.

What oil is best for stir frying?

Peanut oil is ideal because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other good options include canola or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil as its flavor can overpower and it smokes at lower temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe is like unlocking a little bit of homemade restaurant magic right in your own kitchen. The perfect blend of tender beef, crisp veggies, and a luscious sauce means it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. So next time you want a fast, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, dive into this recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!