This simple stir-fried beef with bok choy is a perfect quick meal. The tender beef meets crisp bok choy, making it colorful and tasty. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to whip up on a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for this dish. They’re both tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a great vegetarian choice.
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy is ideal here because it’s tender and cooks quickly. If you can’t find it, other greens like spinach or kale can work well, but may cook faster.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable or peanut oil is perfect for high heat. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try using canola or sunflower oil instead. I often use a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor at the end!
Shaoxing Wine: This adds depth, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar can be a good substitute. I’ve used both successfully!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender?
Getting tender beef is all about slicing and quick cooking! Always slice the meat against the grain; this shortens the meat fibers for a more tender bite. Also, cooking it over high heat for just a couple of minutes helps keep it juicy. Remember, it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at first, as it will continue cooking with the veggies.
- Cut beef thinly and against the grain for tenderness.
- Stir-fry quickly on high heat in a hot pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly tender beef every time! Enjoy cooking this dish!
The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- Bok Choy: 1 lb (450g) baby bok choy, washed and trimmed
- Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced
- Chili Peppers: 1-2 small red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Green Onions: 2, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- Sauces:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
- Thickener: 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes of cooking time, making a total of approximately 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
To ensure your beef is tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This makes a big difference in how juicy and easy to chew it will be!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and broth. Give it a good stir and set this mixture aside for later.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once it’s sizzling, add the beef in a single layer. Let it stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until browned, but don’t worry about cooking it all the way through just yet. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped red chili peppers. Stir-fry these together for about 30 seconds or until they smell amazing!
5. Add the Bok Choy and Onions:
Now, it’s time for the bok choy and green onions! Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes until the bok choy leaves start to wilt, but the stems should still be a bit crunchy.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the wok and pour the sauce mixture over it. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the cornstarch slurry to the wok. Stir everything until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and bok choy. This should take just about 1 minute.
8. Season and Taste:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper if needed. You want that vibrant flavor to shine!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked and seasoned, remove the stir-fry from heat. Serve it immediately over a steaming plate of white rice for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy every vibrant bite of your stir-fried beef with bok choy! It’s a perfect blend of flavor and texture that you’ll want to make again and again!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything stays crisp and tender, adding denser veggies first and lighter ones like bok choy later.
Can I Marinate the Beef Before Cooking?
Yes! Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of cornstarch can add extra flavor and tenderness. Just remember to sesame oil for a delicious twist!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the bok choy and beef.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Make sure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free, or find an alternative that meets dietary needs.