Ingredients for Beef Stir-fry
300g beef
1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
1 teaspoon of light soy sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
½ teaspoon of sugar
½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon of finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon of cooking oil
Some chopped scallions

Steps for Marinating the Beef
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Choose fresh beef: Select beef that has a bright red color, fine grain, and no odd smell.
Slice the beef: Cut the beef into thin slices (about 2-3mm thick) against the grain to ensure tenderness. If the beef is slightly tough, you can chill it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Marinate the beef
Place the beef in a large bowl.
Add the marinating ingredients in the following order:
Cooking oil
Chopped garlic and ginger
Dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and ground black pepper
Finally, sprinkle cornstarch on top and mix well
Use your hands or chopsticks to mix thoroughly so that the flavors are absorbed into the meat. If you have time, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 3: Tips for tender beef
Add a little water: When marinating, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help the meat absorb moisture, resulting in juicier stir-fried beef.
Use baking soda (optional): Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of baking soda over the meat, mix well, and let it sit for 15 minutes before adding the other ingredients. Then, rinse the meat and marinate as usual. Baking soda helps break down the protein bonds, making the meat tender.
Avoid using salt: Salt can draw moisture out of the meat, making it tough. The soy sauces provide enough salinity.

Step 4: Stir-frying the beef
Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
Stir-fry quickly: When the oil is hot, add the beef and stir-fry swiftly for 1-2 minutes until just cooked (the meat will turn a light pink color). Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
Combine with vegetables: You can stir-fry the beef with onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a more appealing dish.
Notes on Marinating Beef for Stir-fry
- If you want a thicker sauce for your stir-fry, mix 1 tablespoon of water with ½ teaspoon of cornstarch and add it to the pan towards the end of cooking.
- Choose high-quality beef to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- Do not marinate the beef for too long (more than 2 hours) as the seasonings can dry out the meat.
- Good luck, and enjoy your tender and delicious beef stir-fry!
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