Easy Beef Stir-Fry with Bok Choy (Ready in 20 Mins!)

This easy beef stir-fry with bok choy is a quick, flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this delicious dish not only saves you money but also keeps your kitchen cleanup simple. It’s ideal for meal prep and can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary needs, making this versatile beef stir-fry a go-to for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Familiar flavors blend together seamlessly. This recipe proves you don’t need a long list of complex ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying beef stir-fry.

A One-Pan Meal for Easy Cleanup: The entire dish comes together in a single wok or skillet. This stir-fry technique minimizes dishwashing, making your after-dinner routine a breeze.

Perfectly Balanced & Healthy: Lean protein from the sirloin, essential vitamins from the bok choy, and a flavor-packed sauce create a nutritious and well-rounded meal. It’s a healthy beef stir-fry you can feel good about serving.

How to Make Beef Stir-Fry

Follow these steps to create a delicious stir-fry that packs a punch with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • For the Beef Marinade:
    • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • For the Stir Fry:
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 bunch bok choy, stems and leaves separated and chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 inch ginger, freshly grated
  • For the Stir Fry Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup beef broth
    • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • For Garnish:
    • Green onions, chopped

Directions

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well to coat every piece. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes). Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Stir-Fry Bok Choy: Add the bok choy stems to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the bok choy leaves and continue to stir-fry for another minute until just wilted.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and dark soy sauce. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish your beef stir-fry with chopped green onions and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious beef stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the savory sauce. You can also pair it with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

For other quick dinner ideas, check out our Spicy Szechuan Shrimp or our popular General Tso’s Chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Stir-Fry

  • Thinly Slice Against the Grain: This technique cuts through the muscle fibers, ensuring your beef is tender and not chewy.
  • Prep All Ingredients First: A stir-fry cooks very quickly. Have all your vegetables chopped and your sauce mixed before you turn on the heat. This French culinary concept, known as mise en place, is essential for a successful stir-fry.
  • Use High Heat & Don’t Crowd the Pan: High heat gives your beef stir-fry that signature “wok hei” flavor and ensures vegetables stay crisp. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the ingredients.

Recipe Variations

  • Gluten-Free Beef Stir-Fry: Substitute soy sauce with tamari. Ensure you use a certified gluten-free oyster sauce. For more on gluten-free substitutions, see this guide from Harvard Medical School.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh. Use a vegetable broth and a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative.

Beef Stir-Fry: FAQ

Can I make this beef stir-fry ahead of time? You

You can marinate the beef and chop the vegetables a day in advance. However, for the best flavor and texture, the stir-fry itself should be cooked just before serving.

What other cuts of beef work for stir-frying?

Besides sirloin, flank steak and skirt steak are excellent choices for a beef stir-fry because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

What can I substitute for bok choy?

Napa cabbage, broccoli florets, spinach, or kale are great alternatives. Adjust cooking times as needed—broccoli will take longer, while spinach will wilt in under a minute.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Savory Beef Stir-Fry with Bok Choy


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: chef-ziz
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: None

Description

A quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, this Savory Beef and Bok Choy Stir-Fry combines lean protein and greens in a simple one-pan dish.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch bok choy, stems and leaves separated and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 3-5 minutes). Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Add the bok choy stems to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then, add the bok choy leaves and stir-fry for another minute until slightly wilted.
  5. Return the cooked beef to the wok. Add the beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and dark soy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with tamari and gluten-free alternatives. For a vegetarian dish, swap beef for tofu or tempeh.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star