This Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef is a quick and tasty dish! Juicy beef pairs perfectly with crunchy bok choy, creating a colorful mix that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
You’ll love how fast this meal comes together. Just toss it all in the pan, and dinner is ready! I often serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that feels special yet easy! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak since they are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy is perfect for this dish, but regular bok choy works too! If bok choy isn’t available, you can use napa cabbage or spinach as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a fragrant base. If you’re out of fresh ginger, ground ginger can be used, but start with a smaller amount as it’s more concentrated.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce enhance flavor, while hoisin adds sweetness. If you’re avoiding shellfish, use a mushroom sauce instead of oyster. Coconut aminos are a good alternative for soy sauce if you’re aiming for a soy-free dish.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef Is Tender?
To keep your beef tender, cutting it against the grain is key. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew. Marinating it with cornstarch, soy sauce, and pepper for just 10-15 minutes helps enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Slice the beef thinly using a sharp knife.
- Make sure to let your oil get hot before adding the beef to avoid steaming.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Bok Choy?
For bok choy, a quick stir-fry is perfect! Adding it to the pan after cooking garlic, ginger, and chili gives it a nice flavor boost. Stir-fry for just a couple of minutes; you want the greens to wilt but still remain crisp.
- Use high heat and keep the bok choy moving in the pan.
- Cooking with the lid on for a minute can help steam the stalks without losing their crunch.
With these tips, you’re set up for a delicious stir-fried beef dish that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 lb (450g) baby bok choy, washed and halved lengthwise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water or beef broth (for sauce)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Fried egg (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. This will help tenderize the beef and add flavor. Set aside for about 10-15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water (or beef broth). This savory sauce will coat the beef and bok choy perfectly!
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry the beef until it’s browned and just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped chili. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will give your dish a great aroma!
5. Add the Bok Choy:
Now, add the halved bok choy to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the green leaves wilt and the stalks turn tender but still crisp. This keeps your vegetables fresh and crunchy!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the pan and pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and bok choy evenly.
7. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it one last toss. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce as needed.
8. Serve!
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. A fried egg on top adds richness and makes it even better!
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious, well-balanced meal. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! While bok choy is delicious, you can substitute it with other crunchy vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they stay crisp and tender!
Can I Marinate the Beef Longer?
Yes, you can marinate the beef for up to 30 minutes or even longer in the refrigerator. Just be careful not to over-marinate as the acidity can affect the meat’s texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The dish may lose some crispness, but it will still be tasty!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worries!
