Chinese Garlic Beef

This tender, savory Chinese Garlic Beef brings authentic restaurant flavors to your kitchen with just a few pantry staples. Featuring perfectly marinated flank steak in a rich, aromatic garlic sauce, this dish delivers bold flavors that will have your family requesting it on repeat. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight dinner that beats takeout every time.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: Beef

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Beef:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced
2-3 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch or tapioca starch
Pinch of baking soda
2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil

For the Garlic Sauce:

2 tbsp minced garlic
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar or black vinegar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional

For Garnish:

3 green onions sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a bowl, toss sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add chicken broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
If sauce needs thickening, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and add to pan, stirring until thickened.
Return cooked beef to the pan and add sliced green onions. Toss everything together to coat and heat through, about 1-2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

For extra tender beef, slice against the grain and freeze for 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting

Flank steak works best for tenderness, but sirloin or beef tenderloin are excellent substitutes

Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or bean sprouts during step 6 for extra nutrition

Adjust garlic quantity to preference - use up to 3 tablespoons for garlic lovers

Make the sauce ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days

For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add fresh sliced chilies

Black vinegar gives more authentic flavor than rice vinegar if available

Nutrition