Did you know making beef with garlic sauce at home can save you over $70? It’s a delicious meal that’s also budget-friendly.
Imagine a dish that combines tender beef with a rich garlic sauce. It tastes like your favorite takeout but is homemade. You can make it in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or to impress your family. It’s easy to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. Ready to make a tasty meal? Let’s get started!
Ingredients and Preparation
Exploring the world of beef with garlic sauce is exciting. It’s all about choosing the right ingredients and preparing them well. The quality of the beef and the freshness of the sauce ingredients are key to a great dish.
Choosing the Right Beef Cut
The tenderness and flavor of your dish depend on the beef cut. Flank steak or skirt steak are the best choices. They offer rich flavor and are affordable.
- Flank steak: A lean cut with a strong beefy flavor. Ideal for recipes requiring quick stir-frying.
- Skirt steak: Known for its marbling, which adds to the flavor. Best when sliced thinly against the grain.
Essential Sauce Ingredients
The garlic sauce’s magic comes from its aromatic and savory parts. Key ingredients include minced garlic, fresh ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. For depth and balance, add chicken broth, Chinese cooking wine, and oyster sauce.
- Minced garlic: About 4 cloves, packed with flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty kick with a teaspoon of grated ginger.
- Green onions: Use 3 finely chopped pieces to enhance the dish’s aroma.
- Chicken broth: ½ cup, provides a hearty base.
- Chinese cooking wine: 1 tablespoon for an authentic taste.
- Soy sauce: A must-have, with 2 tablespoons for savory balance.
- Oyster sauce: Elevates flavor with 2 tablespoons.
Prepping the Beef
Proper beef preparation is key to tenderness and flavor. Start by tenderizing the meat with baking soda. Use 2 teaspoons, applied 1 teaspoon per side, and marinate for 15 minutes. This makes the beef tender.
- Tenderizing: Sprinkle baking soda on both sides of the beef.
- Slicing: Thinly slice the beef against the grain to promote even cooking.
- Marinating: Let the beef sit for 15 minutes with the baking soda before rinsing.
By following these steps carefully, your beef with garlic sauce will be perfect. It will be a memorable meal for everyone.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty beef stir fry at home is easy and rewarding. Follow these steps to get tender beef and a perfect garlic sauce. You’ll learn how to stir-fry the beef, make the garlic sauce, and combine them for a memorable meal.
Stir-Frying the Beef
Begin with 1 lb of flank steak, cutting it into thin slices. This makes the beef tender. Marinate the beef with 2 tsp soy sauce, ¼-½ tsp baking soda, and 2-2.5 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch.
Heat 1.5 tbsp avocado oil in a 12-inch pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes on one side until caramelized, then flip and cook for another 1 minute. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Creating the Garlic Sauce
Now, make the sauce. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup chicken stock, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. For thickness, mix 1/2 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 15-30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps while it thickens.
Bringing It All Together
Put the seared beef back into the pan with the thickened garlic sauce. Stir to coat the beef evenly. Add 6 oz of bean sprouts and diced scallions if desired, cooking for a final 30 seconds.
This brief cooking time helps the beef absorb the savory sauce. Serve your beef stir fry hot with white rice, brown rice, or as part of a vibrant stir-fry vegetable medley for a complete meal.
| Ingredient | Amount | Key Preparation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Flank Steak | 1 lb | Sliced thin against the grain |
| Soy Sauce / Tamari | 2 tsp | For marinating beef |
| Avocado Oil | 1.5 tbsp (divided) | For stir-frying |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tbsp | For sauce |
| Minced Garlic | 2 tbsp | Sauté with ginger |
| Minced Ginger | 1 tbsp | Sauté with garlic |
| Cornstarch | 1.5 tbsp | 1 tbsp for marinade, 0.5 tbsp for slurry |
| Chicken Stock | 1/2 cup | Base for sauce |
| Soy Sauce / Coconut Aminos | 2 tbsp | For sauce |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | For sauce |
| Rice Wine Vinegar | 1 tbsp | For sauce |
| Bean Sprouts | 6 oz | Optional, to toss in at end |
| Scallions | 4 diced | Optional, to toss in at end |
Serving Suggestions
Enhancing the taste of garlic beef and broccoli is easy with the right serving suggestions. Let’s look at some great side dishes and pairings for a memorable meal.
Pairing with Rice or Noodles
Serving this dish over steamed rice or noodles is a classic choice. Both options soak up the garlic sauce, making each bite more flavorful. For a gluten-free option, try rice or gluten-free noodles. They soak up the sauce and complement the beef and broccoli well.
Vegetable Add-ons
Adding various vegetables can boost the meal’s nutrition and look. Broccoli is key, but you can also add bell peppers, snap peas, or matchstick carrots. Stir-frying these quickly keeps them crunchy and adds freshness to the dish.
Wine Pairing
Wine lovers will enjoy the right wine pairing. A sweet and crisp Riesling or a Vinho Verde pairs well with the garlic sauce. A light red wine, like Beaujolais, also complements the dish without overpowering it. Each wine enhances the meal, letting the garlic beef and broccoli shine.
Useful Tips for Perfecting Beef with Garlic Sauce
Making the perfect beef with garlic sauce is easy with a few tips. We’ll cover tenderizing, cooking equipment, and more to make your dish top-notch.
Tenderizing Techniques
To get tender beef, try using baking soda. Coat the beef with a bit of baking soda, wait 15 minutes, then rinse it. This makes the beef tender and juicy.
Marinating the steak in soy sauce and olive oil also tenderizes it. It adds rich flavors too.
Advanced Flavor Enhancements
Start with fresh ingredients to enhance the beef. Add chopped green onion, extra garlic, and sambal for deep flavors. For spice, add hot sauce or crushed chilis.
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning. This ensures a balanced flavor.
Cooking Equipment
The right equipment is key for a great stir-fry. A wok is best for quick, even cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a heavy skillet works too.
Preheat your pan before cooking to prevent sticking. Use high smoke point oil like canola oil for crispy beef without burning.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flank or Flat Iron Steak | 2.5 pounds |
| Thickness of Steak Strips | ¼ inch |
| Soy Sauce | ¼ cup |
| Canola Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Sambal | 1 tablespoon |
| Chopped Green Onion | ½ cup |
| Snow Peas | 1 cup |
| Baby Bok Choy | 1-2 bunches |
| Minced Garlic | 4 large cloves |
| Ginger | 1-2 inches |
| Beef or Chicken Broth | ¼ cup |
Conclusion
Learning to make beef with garlic sauce at home is very rewarding. You now know how to make this Chinese favorite in your kitchen. This guide is easy to follow, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
Choosing the right beef and making the sauce are key steps. Then, combining everything on the stove is the final touch. You can serve it with rice or add veggies for a twist. Plus, the right wine can make your meal even better.
Keep improving your cooking skills with these tips. They’ll help you make your beef with garlic sauce even more delicious. Enjoy making and eating your own version of this classic dish.
FAQ – Beef with Garlic Sauce
What is the best cut of beef for this Garlic Beef recipe?
Flank steak or skirt steak are great. They taste good and are tender, perfect for quick stir-frying.
How do I make the garlic sauce for the beef?
To make the garlic sauce, blend chicken broth, Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This creates a smooth, thick sauce that coats the beef well.
What does Beef with Garlic Sauce taste like?
Beef with Garlic Sauce has a rich, savory taste. It’s aromatic from fresh garlic and ginger. The soy sauce adds umami, while Chinese cooking wine adds a hint of sweetness.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
To make the beef tender, use baking soda. Rinse it well to remove any residue. Also, cut the beef against the grain for even cooking and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also, use gluten-free cornstarch to keep the sauce smooth and thick.
What vegetables can I add to the dish?
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Stir-fry them just enough to keep them crunchy and full of nutrients.
What can I serve with Beef with Garlic Sauce?
Serve it with steamed rice or noodles. They soak up the sauce and complement the beef’s flavors.
Savory Beef with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- Flank Steak – 1 lb sliced thin against the grain
- Soy Sauce / Tamari – 2 tsp for marinating beef
- Baking Soda – ¼ – ½ tsp for tenderizing beef
- Tapioca or Arrowroot Starch – 2 – 2.5 tbsp for coating the beef
- Avocado Oil – 1.5 tbsp divided (for stir-frying)
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- Chicken Stock – ½ cup base for sauce
- Soy Sauce / Coconut Aminos – 2 tbsp for sauce
- Honey – 2 tbsp adds slight sweetness
- Rice Wine Vinegar – 1 tbsp balances the flavors
- Cornstarch – ½ tbsp for thickening, mixed with 1 tbsp water
- Sesame Oil – 1 tbsp adds depth of flavor
- Minced Garlic – 2 tbsp key aromatic ingredient
- Minced Ginger – 1 tbsp adds warmth and depth
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Bean Sprouts – 6 oz adds crunch, tossed in at the end
- Scallions – 4 diced (adds a fresh finish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Beef
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Sprinkle ¼ – ½ tsp baking soda over the beef and let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize. Rinse off thoroughly.
- Marinate the beef with 2 tsp soy sauce and coat it with 2 – 2.5 tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch.
- Step 2: Stir-Frying the Beef
- Heat 1.5 tbsp avocado oil in a 12-inch pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear for about 2 minutes until caramelized.
- Flip the beef and cook for another 1 minute, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Making the Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix chicken stock, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and ¼ cup water.
- In a separate small bowl, mix ½ tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in the same pan over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and minced ginger, sautéing for 15-30 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in the sauce mixture while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let it thicken.
- Step 4: Bringing Everything Together
- Return the seared beef to the pan, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce.
- If using, add bean sprouts and diced scallions, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Notes
- Tenderizing Tip: Using baking soda helps break down the meat fibers, making the beef extra tender.
- Substitutions:
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Swap honey with brown sugar if preferred.
- Try arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch for a lighter texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spicy Variation: Add a splash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
