This tasty dish features tender beef strips and crunchy bok choy, all stir-fried to perfection. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor to make your taste buds dance!
I love how the beef gets juicy while the bok choy adds that nice crunch. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for busy nights! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works great for tenderness. If you want a leaner option, try chicken or tofu instead!
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find it, substitute with cabbage or Swiss chard, adjusting cooking times as needed since they may take longer to soften.
Vegetable Oil: I prefer vegetable oil for its high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil are good alternatives; they both work well for stir-frying.
Sauces: Soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces create a rich flavor. If you need to avoid oyster sauce, try a mushroom sauce for a similar taste.
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Tender?
To keep your beef tender in stir-fry, slice it against the grain. This means you’ll cut across the muscle fibers, which makes it easier to chew. Also, marinate for about 10 minutes with soy sauce and cornstarch—this helps tenderize the meat.
- Use a hot pan for quick cooking to lock in moisture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the beef; cook in batches if necessary.
These simple steps make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your dish!
The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups baby bok choy, washed and trimmed
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces (separate white and green parts)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water or beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus around 10 minutes for marinating the beef. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes for this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by placing the thinly sliced beef into a bowl. Toss it with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes—this helps make the beef tender and adds flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water or beef broth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s just browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for now.
4. Add Aromatics and Bok Choy:
In the same pan, pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Then, add the bok choy to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the greens begin to soften but keep their vibrant color.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the wok along with the bok choy. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything and toss it together for 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Final Seasoning:
Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Just before removing from heat, stir in the green parts of the green onions.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stir-fried beef and bok choy hot over a bowl of steamed white rice. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
This dish is not only quick to make but packed with nutrients and delicious flavors that will please anyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu can be used as alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, ensuring that the meat is fully cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Bok Choy?
If bok choy isn’t available, you can use other greens like Napa cabbage, Swiss chard, or even broccoli. Just remember that different greens may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Certainly! You can add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers while stir-frying for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference!
