For a quick and delicious meal, look no further than this Garlic Beef with Bok Choy stir-fry. Tender slices of beef, fresh bok choy, and bold flavors from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce come together to create a perfect balance of savory, umami goodness. This dish is easy to make and packs a punch with its flavorful sauce and fresh ingredients. It’s a great weeknight meal that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes, ideal for when you’re craving a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) of beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into thin strips.
- 4-5 baby bok choy, halved or quartered lengthwise
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil or your choice of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), beef broth (or water), sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Bok Choy:
- Add the halved or quartered baby bok choy to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the bok choy begins to soften but still retains a bit of crunch.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with any juices that may have collected. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and bok choy.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well coated in the sauce.
- Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve the Garlic Beef with Bok Choy hot, either on its own or over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Beef with Bok Choy is a delicious, easy-to-make stir-fry that’s packed with flavor and texture. The tender beef and crisp bok choy, combined with the savory sauce, make for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even weekend meals. The combination of garlic, ginger, and sauces delivers a rich, umami-packed experience that’s sure to satisfy. Serve with rice or noodles, and enjoy a homemade meal that rivals any takeout!