If you’re in the mood for something savory and satisfying, look no further than this amazing Beef in Oyster Sauce recipe! This delightful dish combines succulent beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich oyster sauce that will make your taste buds sing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavors: The beef in oyster sauce creates an umami-packed delight that pleases almost everyone.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and greens, it’s a well-rounded meal.
- Easily Adaptable: Customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a flavorful masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in enhancing the taste, texture, or color of the dish.
- 1 pound beef flank steak: This cut is perfect for stir-frying; you can also use ribeye or sirloin as alternatives.
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and give it a wonderful texture.
- Vegetables: Bok choy and chopped white onion add freshness and a delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: The star of the sauce, giving it a rich, savory depth.
Variations
Feel free to make this Beef in Oyster Sauce recipe your own. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it to match your personal taste or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Variation: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with firm tofu and increase the amount of vegetables.
How to Make Beef in Oyster Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Add thinly sliced beef to a resealable bag with soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and other marinade ingredients. Massage thoroughly to ensure even coating and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high with vegetable oil. Cook the beef slices for about one minute on each side until browned, then remove them onto a paper towel-lined plate. Remember, less is more here to avoid overcrowding and steaming the beef.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add more oil if needed and toss in the onions. Cook them for 1-2 minutes, then follow with the bok choy. Keep sautéing until they’re tender yet crisp, adding flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Bring back the beef to the pan, drizzle with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and covers each component gloriously. Serve with a side of warm rice or stir-fry noodles.
Pro Tips for Making Beef in Oyster Sauce
- Marinating Magic: Don’t skip this step as it vitalizes the beef, giving it tenderness and maximum flavor infusion.
- Perfect Heat: Ensure your pan is fully heated before frying beef for that delicious, crispy exterior.
- Fresh Veggies: Use fresh, high-quality bok choy for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Sauce Balance: Taste and adjust the sauce before serving to perfect that savory-sweet balance.
How to Serve Beef in Oyster Sauce
Garnishes
Maximize this dish’s appeal by garnishing with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. They enhance the dish both in taste and visual presentation.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice or stir-fry noodles are perfect accompaniments, soaking up the flavorful sauce and offering a complete meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in a large, shallow bowl for an elegant presentation, and set it at the center of the dining table for easy sharing amongst family or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Beef in Oyster Sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to restore moisture to the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
Yes, ribeye or sirloin would also work beautifully, as they are tender and well-suited for quick cooking.
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What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce can be a close substitute, though it is sweeter. Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
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Is marinating the beef necessary?
While not strictly necessary, marinating significantly enhances the beef’s flavor and tenderness, making it highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Beef in Oyster Sauce is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s inviting, full of flavor, and just perfect for sharing with loved ones. Dive into this simple yet indulgent meal the next time you’re in the mood for something delicious and comforting!
Print
Beef in Oyster Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This flavorful Beef in Oyster Sauce recipe combines tender slices of marinated beef with fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory oyster sauce glaze. Quick to prepare and packed with umami, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or special dinner.
Ingredients
Marinated Beef
- 1 pound beef flank steak
- 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
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 bunches of bok choy, chopped
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Add thinly sliced beef to a resealable bag with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, egg white, sesame oil, diced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the beef evenly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of vegetable oil. When hot, add half of the beef slices and cook for about 1 minute per side until browned. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and overcooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Add the chopped bok choy and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender and bright green.
- Combine and Finish: Return all cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat everything and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot over cooked rice or stir-fry noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Ribeye or sirloin can be used as alternative cuts for more tenderness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- You can adjust the oyster sauce or soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of chili flakes or a splash of rice wine vinegar.
- Ensure the beef is sliced very thinly for quick cooking and tender texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
