Stir-Fried Beef with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with crisp bok choy in a savory oyster sauce glaze, perfect for a weeknight Asian meal. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced fresh garlic, minced fresh ginger 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 380 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
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced fresh garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 2 heads, halved lengthwise baby bok choy
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 halved baby bok choy heads and stir-fry for 2 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt but stems remain crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the wok, pour in the oyster sauce mixture, and toss everything together. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and bok choy evenly. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 with Bok Choy 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 with Bok Choy 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 with Bok Choy 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 with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce?
Chinese 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.