Savory Beef with Garlic Sauce Recipe
A quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender beef slices coated in a rich, aromatic garlic sauce. This homemade version rivals restaurant takeout and is perfect for a budget-friendly meal, ready in just 20 minutes.
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.