Stir fry dishes are a staple of quick, flavorful, and adaptable cooking. They offer the opportunity to mix various ingredients and flavors into one cohesive, satisfying, and nutritious meal. Today, we’re focusing on a classic combination: beef and bok choy. This pairing provides a delightful contrast of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and rich, savory sauces. The Beef & Bok Choy Stir Fry is an easy dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight while still feeling special enough for a weekend dinner.
Ingredients
**For the Beef Marinade:**
– 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
**For the Stir Fry:**
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cups bok choy, chopped (include both leaves and stems)
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– ¼ cup beef broth or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
1. **Marinate the Beef:**
Begin by preparing the beef. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Make sure the beef is well coated, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
While the beef is marinating, chop the bok choy, slice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic and ginger. Having all the ingredients ready ahead of time will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
3. **Cook the Beef:**
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, arrange the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned and cooked through. To avoid overcrowding, cook in batches if necessary.
4. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. **Cook the Vegetables:**
Add the sliced onion, bok choy, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, providing texture to the dish.
6. **Combine and Add Sauces:**
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Mix everything thoroughly so that the beef and vegetables are coated in sauce. If the stir fry appears dry, add a bit of beef broth or water. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the dish and stirring to combine.
7. **Serve:**
Serve the Beef & Bok Choy Stir Fry hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
This Beef & Bok Choy Stir Fry is a wonderful blend of tender beef and crisp vegetables, tied together with savory sauces. It’s quick to prepare and full of nutrients, making it perfect for any meal. Plus, the flexibility of stir frying allows you to tailor the recipe to your liking. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish is bound to impress and become a regular favorite at your table. Enjoy!