Name: Beef with Oyster Sauce (蚝油牛肉) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef flank steak (or skirt steak); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 teaspoon peanut oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce); 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce); 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1/2 white onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, sliced; 1 thumb ginger, sliced; 1 lb asparagus, tough ends removed and cut to bite size pieces (or 1 bell pepper)

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Introduction

Beef with Oyster Sauce is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish known for its rich, savory flavors and tender beef. This quick and easy recipe combines marinated beef with fresh vegetables and a delicious oyster sauce blend, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 lb beef flank steak (or skirt steak)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 teaspoon peanut oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 white onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 thumb ginger, sliced
1 lb asparagus, tough ends removed and cut into bite size pieces (or 1 bell pepper)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the beef with baking soda, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon peanut oil, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Mix well and allow to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and sesame oil until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the beef in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for about 1 minute until the bottom turns golden, then flip and cook the other side until just cooked, about 1 minute. Transfer the beef to a large plate.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, then stir-fry the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger for about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the asparagus (or bell pepper) and cook until just starting to soften, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Stir the prepared sauce again to ensure cornstarch is dissolved, then pour it into the skillet. Stir a few times as the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For even more tender beef, allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute asparagus with bell peppers or snap peas for a different crunch and flavor.
Use dark soy sauce sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish with bitterness.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the beef tender.

How to Serve

In a black wok, there is a mix of cooked beef slices with a brown glazed look, green asparagus cut into pieces, and sliced white onions. The beef has a shiny, slightly oily texture, and the asparagus looks tender but still fresh and bright green. The onions are soft and translucent, spread evenly among the other ingredients. The dish is surrounded by a few small bowls in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking, but sirloin or ribeye can also work well if sliced thinly against the grain.

What can I substitute if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of hoisin sauce to mimic the sweetness and depth.