Description
This flavorful beef in oyster sauce recipe features tender beef flank steak marinated and quickly seared to perfection, combined with crisp bok choy and a savory oyster sauce glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a delicious and easy stir-fry dish perfect for weeknight dinners that balances tender meat with fresh vegetables and umami-rich flavors.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 beaten egg white
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons diced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Vegetables & Sauce
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 bunches bok choy, washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
For Cooking & Garnish
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef flank steak to a resealable bag along with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, beaten egg white, sesame oil, diced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly until the beef is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of vegetable oil. When hot, add the beef slices in a single layer, cooking for about one minute on each side until browned but still tender. Remove the cooked beef and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: With the same skillet still hot, add another drizzle of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Then add the chopped bok choy and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain a slight crispness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and granulated sugar. Toss everything together and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until the sauce slightly thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or stir-fry noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the beef to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming.
- Feel free to substitute bok choy with other leafy greens like gai lan or spinach if preferred.
- Adjust the sugar and soy sauce quantities to your taste, especially if you prefer a less sweet or saltier dish.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite stir-fry noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
