Description
Tender Beef in Minutes is a quick and easy Asian-inspired stir-fry recipe featuring thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Cooked swiftly in a hot skillet, this dish delivers tender, juicy beef perfect for a weeknight dinner served alongside steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and baking soda if using. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Let the beef marinate at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to get hot and shimmering, which is essential for proper searing.
- Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let it sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to develop a rich brown crust.
- Stir-Fry and Finish Cooking: Stir the beef and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Be careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. For a complete one-pan meal, consider adding sliced bell peppers or broccoli during the stir-fry process.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain helps ensure maximum tenderness.
- The optional baking soda breaks down proteins for extra softness but should be used sparingly to avoid altering texture.
- Quick cooking on high heat is critical to keep the beef juicy and tender.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during stir-frying for a balanced, one-pan dish.
