Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce
Quick stir-fried tender beef slices and crisp water spinach tossed in a savory garlic oyster sauce. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 17 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, oyster sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz, thinly sliced against the grain beef sirloin
- 1 lb, washed and cut into 3-inch lengths water spinach (rau muống)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 10 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the beef just starts to brown but remains tender.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb water spinach cut into 3-inch lengths and stir quickly for 1 minute until it begins to wilt.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp water. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and greens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach with Garlic and Oyster Sauce?
Vietnamese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
