A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, flavorful dinner, Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender slices of beef, coated in a rich garlic sauce that is both savory and sweet. With simple ingredients like green onions, beansprouts, and your choice of veggie such as broccoli, it’s a healthy option that the whole family will love. Served over rice, this meal can be ready on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes better than takeout.
What sets this dish apart is the tenderized steak, which gets its signature texture thanks to a baking soda method commonly used in American Chinese restaurants. Whether you use flank steak, skirt, or New York strip, the result is always delicious. The glossy, thick sauce perfectly coats the strips of meat, making every bite packed with aromatic flavors. Plus, with fewer than 10 ingredients, this meal is quick, simplified, and perfect for those nights when you want something gourmet without the hassle.
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Personal Experience
I remember the first time I made Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I wanted to prepare something quick yet delicious. The aroma of the garlic and soy sauce filled the kitchen, making everyone eager to try it. When I served it over steamed rice with a side of broccoli, the smiles around the table were priceless. The tender beef and the savory sauce were a hit, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home.
Necessary Ingredients
Stir Fry Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef (steaks)
- 1 ½ tablespoon baking soda
- 3 green onions/spring onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup beansprouts
Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup chicken stock/broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of white pepper
How to Make Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce
To make Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce, start by thinly slicing tender flank steak or your choice of steak. Tenderize the beef with a bit of baking soda to achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir-fry the beef in a hot pan with green onions, beansprouts, and your favorite veggies like broccoli. In a separate bowl, mix together a thick garlic sauce using soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stir until everything is well coated, and let it cook for a few minutes. Serve it hot over steamed rice for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Tenderize the Beef Start by tenderizing the beef. Cut it into thin strips across the grain and place it in a non-metallic bowl. Sprinkle with baking soda and stir gently to coat. Cover and let it marinate for 15 minutes. After that, wash off the baking soda and rinse the beef several times. Pat dry with kitchen paper and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Next, prepare the sauce by mixing chicken stock, Chinese Cooking Wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of pepper in a large measuring cup. Ensure the broth is cold to prevent the cornstarch from clumping.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables Remove the roots from the green onions and chop them into 2-inch chunks. Peel and thinly slice the garlic.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Ingredients Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the green onions and stir fry for 1 minute to flavor the oil. Then, add the beef and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the sliced garlic and stir for another minute.
Step 5: Add the Beansprouts and Sauce Finally, add the beansprouts and stir to combine. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir until it thickens and coats the stir fry.
Step 6: Serve Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce!
Note on Serving Size & Ingredients
When serving Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce, it’s perfect to pair it with rice or noodles. Adding a side of Asian veg can enhance the meal. If you’re planning a Chinese banquet, consider including other takeout-style dishes from Sprinkles and Sprouts to create a complete experience. To balance the flavors of this dish, choose a white wine with high acidity and some residual sugar. A Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Vinho Verde can complement the garlic well. For a unique twist, a Lambrusco is also a great choice.
For those who prefer red wine, opt for something with low tannins and high fruity notes. Varieties like Gamay, Beaujolais, or Granache are excellent options. These wines will enhance the flavors of the Chinese Beef with Garlic Sauce without overpowering it. Enjoy your meal with these thoughtful pairings to elevate your dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular beef Chinese dish?
One of the most popular beef Chinese dishes is Beef and Broccoli. This dish features tender beef slices stir-fried with broccoli in a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.
What does garlic sauce contain?
Garlic sauce typically contains ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
How to make Chinese beef so tender?
To make Chinese beef tender, use a technique called velveting. This involves marinating the beef in a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinsing it off before cooking. This method helps to break down the fibers in the meat, making it incredibly tender.
Which beef should I use?
For Chinese dishes, it’s best to use cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts are tender and absorb marinades well, making them ideal for stir-frying.
Could I use a different meat like chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in many Chinese dishes. Chicken works well with similar marinades and cooking techniques, making it a versatile alternative.
Is beef in garlic sauce spicy?
Beef in garlic sauce is generally not very spicy, but it can be made spicier by adding ingredients like red pepper flakes or chili sauce.