Ingredients
For the Beef
- 500 g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup water or beef stock
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
For the Stir-Fry
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 100 g broccoli florets (optional)
- 2–3 spring onions, sliced into 2 cm pieces
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Wok or large frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil.
Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and creates a silky coating after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, water, vinegar, and cornstarch if using. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry quickly for 2–3 minutes until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables. Adjust heat if needed to prevent burning.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Add the sliced spring onions and toss briefly.
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Best Results
- Beef Slicing: Freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes before slicing; this makes thin, even slices easier.
- High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat ensures the beef stays tender and the vegetables remain crisp.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch in the sauce to your preferred thickness. Add water if it becomes too thick.
- Variations: Add mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for more color and flavor.
