Easy Classic Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe

A classic Chinese dish featuring tender beef slices with crisp vegetables

Basic Information

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
• Difficulty: Medium
• Servings: 2-3 people

Required Equipment

• Wok or large frying pan
• Cutting board
• Kitchen knife
• Small bowls for seasonings
• Spatula
• Strainer

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300g beef (preferably tender cuts like flank or sirloin)
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 green onions
• 3 slices ginger
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2-3 dried chilies (optional)

Marinade

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 egg white
• 1 tsp oil
• Pinch of white pepper

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp sugar
• Cooking oil

Detailed Instructions

1. Beef Preparation

1. Slice the beef
   • Cut across the grain into thin slices
   • About 2-3mm thick
2. Marination
   • Mix all marinade ingredients
   • Add beef slices and mix well
   • Marinate for 15-20 minutes

2. Prepare Vegetables

1. Cut vegetables
   • Cut peppers into diamond shapes
   • Cut green onions into sections
   • Slice ginger and garlic
   • Cut dried chilies (if using)

3. Cooking Process

1. Prepare wok
   • Heat wok until hot
   • Add appropriate amount of oil
2. Fry aromatics
   • Add ginger and garlic
   • Add dried chilies if using
3. Cook beef
   • Add marinated beef
   • Stir-fry on high heat until nearly done
   • Remove and set aside
4. Cook vegetables
   • Add a little oil to the same wok
   • Add peppers and stir-fry
   • Cook until crisp-tender
5. Final stir-fry
   • Return beef to wok
   • Add seasonings
   • Stir-fry on high heat
   • Add green onions
   • Adjust seasoning

Key Tips

Beef Selection

• Choose fresh beef
• Look for marbling
• Preferably tender cuts

Heat Control

• Use high heat for beef
• Cook quickly
• Avoid overcooking

Seasoning Tips

• Marinate thoroughly
• Season moderately
• Balance flavors

Common Issues

Tough Beef

• Cut wrong direction
• Heat too low
• Cooked too long

Poor Texture

• Insufficient marination
• Poor heat control
• Uneven cutting

Nutritional Value

Per serving:

• Calories: 250kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 8g

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Egg drop soup

Storage Tips

• Best served fresh
• Can be refrigerated for 1 day
• Reheat quickly on low heat

Variations

1. Black Pepper Beef

• Add black pepper
• Reduce other seasonings

2. Garlic Beef

• Use more garlic
• Garnish with minced garlic

3. Green Pepper Beef

• Use only green peppers
• Use more peppers

Chef’s Notes

1. Timing is Critical
   • Have all ingredients ready before starting
   • Cook quickly on high heat
   • Don’t overcrowd the wok
2. Temperature Control
   • Wok should be very hot before adding beef
   • Reduce heat when cooking vegetables
   • Return to high heat for final combination
3. Texture Balance
   • Beef should be tender but not overcooked
   • Vegetables should remain crisp
   • Sauce should coat ingredients evenly

Remember: The key to perfect stir-fried beef lies in controlling the heat and achieving tender meat. Quick cooking over high heat is essential!