This delicious stir-fried beef dish features tender slices of beef cooked with fresh bok choy. It’s quick to make and full of flavor, perfect for busy nights!
I love how the crunch of bok choy mixes with the savory beef. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying a hearty meal. Trust me, it’s a big hit at our dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for tender cut. If you prefer, use chicken or tofu for a lighter option. I often use sirloin for its balance of tenderness and flavor.
Bok Choy: Baby bok choy is fantastic because it cooks quickly and adds a nice crunch. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular bok choy or leafy greens like spinach, though cook time will vary.
Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics really boost the flavor. Fresh is best, but you can use garlic and ginger paste in a pinch. I love using extra ginger for a bolder taste.
Sauces: Soy sauce gives umami, while oyster sauce adds depth. If you’re vegetarian, try mushroom sauce instead. For a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos.
How Do I Cook the Beef for Maximum Tenderness?
To ensure your beef is tender, slicing against the grain is key—this shortens the muscle fibers, making every bite easier to chew. Marinating the beef not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize it.
- Mix the marinade ingredients, ensuring all pieces of beef are coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes; longer if you have the time.
- Stir-fry quickly on high heat to keep the beef juicy and prevent overcooking.
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Bok Choy?
Stir-frying bok choy is all about speed to keep its vibrant color and crunch. Here’s how:
- Heat your wok or skillet until it’s very hot to start.
- Add bok choy and only stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. The moment the stems soften but leaves are still bright green, remove them.
- This quick cooking preserves the nutrients and keeps the texture crisp!
With these tips, your bok choy stir-fried beef will be a hit every time! Enjoy your cooking!
The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fried Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4-5 baby bok choy, trimmed and washed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2-3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 red chili, sliced (optional for heat)
For the Marinade:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water to make slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. So, in roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a fresh and tasty meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with the marinade ingredients until well coated. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb all those flavors. If you have more time, letting it marinate longer is even better!
2. Prepare the Bok Choy:
While the beef marinates, clean the baby bok choy under running water. You can cut them in half or keep them whole for an impressive look. Set them aside, ready for stir-frying!
3. Stir-Fry Bok Choy:
In a wok or large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the stems are slightly tender but the leaves are still bright and crisp. Remove them and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
With the remaining tablespoon of oil in the pan, add minced garlic, ginger, green onions, and the sliced chili (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to burn them!
5. Cook the Beef:
Now, add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry quickly over high heat. This should take about 2-3 minutes until the beef is mostly cooked through. You want it to be tender and juicy, so don’t overcook!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked bok choy to the pan with the beef. In a small bowl, mix the stir-fry sauce ingredients (except for the cornstarch slurry) and pour this mix into the wok. Stir everything together to combine well.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef and bok choy. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your bok choy stir-fried beef immediately over warm, fluffy steamed white rice. Dig in and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute bok choy with other vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to keep them crisp and vibrant!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you’re looking for extra heat, feel free to add more chili peppers or a dash of chili oil to the stir-fry sauce. Alternatively, adding some red pepper flakes can also amp up the spice level!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can! Marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just stir-fry the bok choy and beef when you’re ready to serve. The dish tastes fresh and delicious even when reheated!
What Kind of Rice Pairs Well with This Stir-Fry?
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice makes a great pairing for this dish as they soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a healthier option, you can also serve it with brown rice or quinoa!