Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the bustling streets of China, where sizzling woks and aromatic spices create culinary magic. This Stir Fried Beef in Oyster Sauce is not just a meal, it's a gastronomic adventure that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing beef into thin, uniform strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut bell pepper and onion into thin, even slices. Mince garlic finely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Add sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface evenly.
- When the oil is hot and shimmering, add minced garlic and stir quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add marinated beef to the hot pan in a single layer. Allow beef to sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stir and flip the beef, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it's mostly browned and just cooked through.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or oyster sauce if needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Use high heat and a well-seasoned wok or heavy skillet for authentic wok hei (breath of the wok) flavor.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly and requires constant attention.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook beef in a single layer to achieve proper searing and caramelization.
- Let meat sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust before stirring.
- Keep vegetables crisp-tender by stir-frying quickly at high heat to retain color and nutrients.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Shaoxing wine or a sprinkle of sesame oil at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
