Description
Garlic Oyster Glazed Beef is a savory and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that’s both quick and easy to make. Tender strips of beef are cooked in a rich and umami-packed oyster sauce, along with vegetables that add color and texture. This dish is an absolute favorite in Chinese cuisine, known for its perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, green, or yellow)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef: Flank steak or sirloin is perfect for this dish as they are tender cuts that can be thinly sliced, allowing them to cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: This savory sauce made from oysters adds a rich, umami depth that’s characteristic of Chinese cooking. It’s the base of the sauce and gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and a deeper savory flavor that complements the oyster sauce.
- Rice Wine/Sherry: A touch of rice wine (or dry sherry) enhances the flavor profile of the sauce and gives it a little acidity.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and broccoli not only add a pop of color but also balance the richness of the beef and sauce with freshness and crunch.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef and Sauce:
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain into strips about ¼ inch wide. This will help keep the beef tender as it cooks.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and cornstarch mixture. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion, bell pepper, and prepare the broccoli florets (if using). Mince the garlic.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
- Heat the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and broccoli (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Finish the Dish:
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir in the sauce mixture, ensuring the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve the beef with oyster sauce over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g