How to Make a Delicious Beef Stir-Fry

Beef stir-fry is one of those classic dishes that can be enjoyed year-round and fits into any meal plan. Whether you're looking for something quick during a busy weeknight or want to impress your family with an authentic Chinese dish, beef stir-fry provides the perfect balance between flavor and versatility.

Preparation time: Approximately 20 minutes

Serving size: Serves 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of lean beef strips
• 1 onion, sliced into thin rounds
• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 4 green onions, sliced diagonally
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into small pieces
• 2 carrots, julienned or grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to thicken the sauce
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil for garnishing

Steps to Make Beef Stir-Fry:

Before you start cooking, take a moment to prepare all your ingredients. Lay out the beef strips, sliced green onions, carrots, and bell peppers on one side of the kitchen counter so they are easily accessible. This will help streamline your cooking process.

Step 1: Marinating the Beef

To make sure that your beef gets all those delicious flavors, start by marinating it for at least half an hour before stir-frying. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture. Toss in the beef strips until they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Cooking the Stir-Fry

In a wok or large skillet, heat up three tablespoons of oil on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough (you can check by dropping a small amount of water into it; if it sizzles immediately, you're ready), add in the beef strips and stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through.

Once the beef has been seared to perfection, remove from heat and set aside. In the same pan used for the beef, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the garlic cloves until fragrant but not burnt. Then toss in the onions, carrots, and red pepper pieces, allowing them to cook down slightly.

Now it's time to incorporate all the marinated juices from the beef back into the mixture along with two tablespoons of soy sauce if you prefer a bit more saltiness or oyster sauce for extra umami. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Garnishing

To finish off this delightful dish, sprinkle some sesame oil over the top to give it that signature nutty flavor. Additionally, garnish with sliced green onions which adds color as well as a fresh taste when mixed in with other ingredients during final stages of cooking.

Tips for Better Results:

1. Make sure your beef is thinly sliced and tenderized beforehand to achieve the best results.
2. The key to achieving crispy vegetables without losing their color or texture is to only partially cook them before adding back into the mixture at the end of cooking.
3. If you prefer less spicy food, reduce garlic amount or omit it altogether. Green onions also add heat; adjust according to personal preference.

Conclusion:

This beef stir-fry recipe is not only easy to follow but also customizable based on your own taste preferences. From the first sizzle in a hot pan until the final garnish, this dish showcases how simple yet satisfying homemade meals can be when done right.