Stir-frying is a quick and flavorful cooking technique that brings out the best in fresh ingredients. This savory beef and mushroom stir-fry combines tender slices of marinated beef with an assortment of vegetables, creating a delicious meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or sherry
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons of a light, flavorless oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or sunflower)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, button, or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine or sherry. Add the sliced beef, making sure each piece is well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
- Warm the Oil: In a spacious frying pan or wok, warm the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil reaches a shimmering point, add the marinated beef, spreading it out evenly. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the meat achieves a rich brown color and is thoroughly cooked.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms (and bell pepper if using) to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they reach a tender-crisp texture, retaining a bit of their bite.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Incorporate the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce (if desired), along with a splash of sesame oil. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are well-coated with the sauces.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the stir-fry with chopped green onions. Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
Conclusion
This savory beef and mushroom stir-fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and tender textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the convenience and taste of homemade stir-fry that rivals your favorite takeout!