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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: Use sirloin or flank steak for tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using chicken or tofu instead! Both work great and absorb the flavors well.

Bok Choy: Baby bok choy is best for this dish due to its tender leaves and crunchy stalks. If you can’t find it, any leafy green like spinach or kale can work in a pinch.

Onion: A white onion brings a nice sweetness. You can switch to yellow onion or even shallots if you prefer a milder taste.

Chili: The red chili adds a bit of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip it or use a milder pepper like bell pepper.

Oyster Sauce: This adds depth to the dish. If you need a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce instead, which gives a similar umami flavor.

How Do I Properly Prepare the Beef?

To get tender beef in your stir-fry, slicing it against the grain is key. Here’s how to do it:

• First, place the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This makes it firmer and easier to slice thinly.
• Once firm, slice the beef into thin strips, aiming for about 1/4 inch thick.
• Toss the beef slices with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.

Following these steps ensures your beef turns out perfectly tender and flavorful! Enjoy your cooking!

The Best Bok Choy Stir-Fried Beef Dish

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 4 cups baby bok choy, washed and halved lengthwise
• 1 medium white onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time for slicing and marinating the beef, plus 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Make sure the beef is well coated. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes. This step will help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

While the beef is marinating, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Mix well until combined. This sauce will give your stir-fry a delicious flavor!

3. Cook the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, stir-fry the marinated beef for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics:

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced chili (if using), and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic!

5. Add Onions:

Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they become slightly translucent. This adds a nice sweetness to the dish.

6. Cook the Bok Choy:

Add the bok choy to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the greens are wilted and the stalks are tender-crisp. Bok choy cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it!

7. Combine Everything:

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce. Stir well to combine everything and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and coats the beef and vegetables nicely. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your savory stir-fried beef and bok choy immediately over hot steamed white rice. Enjoy your delightful meal, packed with flavor and texture!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade stir-fry!

Can I Use a Different Protein in This Recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer chicken or shrimp, feel free to substitute them for the beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and shrimp will cook quickly in just a few minutes until they turn pink.

What Can I Use Instead of Bok Choy?

If bok choy isn’t available, you can use other greens such as spinach, kale, or even Napa cabbage. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the greens.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Definitely! You can customize the stir-fry by adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so that all vegetables are tender but still crisp.