Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fry of tender beef strips with crisp bok choy and a savory oyster sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs bok choy, chopped into 2-inch pieces, garlic cloves, minced, oyster sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 pound thinly sliced beef sirloin with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until evenly coated; set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 3 cups chopped bok choy and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are bright and tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and bok choy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Garlic Beef with Bok Choy and Oyster Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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.

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