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Velvet Beef: Tender Every Time

Velvet Beef: Tender Every Time

Krysta
The Chinese velveting method ensures beef is unbelievably tender. Paired with a rich, savory stir-fry sauce and crisp vegetables, this dish is a delicious and impressive meal.
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for marinade
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for marinade
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda optional
  • 1 tsp sesame oil for marinade
  • 1 egg white for marinade
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce for sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce for sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar for sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar for sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch for sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water for sauce
  • Green onions sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the beef: Slice beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, combine beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking soda (if using), 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 egg white. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  • Make the stir-fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Set aside.
  • Cook the beef: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through but still tender. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
  • Stir-fry vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  • Combine and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Give the prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk (cornstarch settles) and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  • Serve: Remove from heat. Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the wok when cooking the beef; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and tenderness. Adjust the amount of baking soda as desired, but less is more. Serve immediately over hot rice.
Keyword velvet beef, beef stir fry, tender beef, Chinese beef, velveting technique, easy stir fry, Asian recipe