Beef With Oyster Sauce Recipe | Easy Chinese Dinner

Name: Beef with Oyster Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak, thinly sliced); 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon peanut oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 0.5 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 0.5 white onion sliced; 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 1 thumb ginger (sliced); 1 lb asparagus (trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces)

Beef with Oyster Sauce: The Takeout Favorite You Can Master at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite takeout spot makes Beef with Oyster Sauce so tender and flavorful, you’re not alone. This simple yet rich stir-fry is one of the easiest Chinese recipes to recreate at home, even on a busy weeknight. Think juicy strips of beef, crisp veggies, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite.

Beef with Oyster Sauce stir fry with noodles, asparagus, onions, and sesame seeds in a skillet — Restaurant-style Beef with Oyster Sauce, served hot with crisp vegetables and noodles

Jump to Recipe

What makes this dish shine isn’t just the speed or simplicity. It’s the balance. Sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, comforting yet light. You don’t need a wok or rare ingredients, just a few pantry staples and a hot pan. It’s ideal for anyone craving a quick beef dinner that doesn’t taste like a rush job.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to achieve that restaurant-style tenderness using one small trick. Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or just want to level up your stir-fry game, this recipe will hit the spot.

If you enjoy quick Asian beef recipes, save this one and try my Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi recipe next for another 30 minute dinner with big flavor.

Ingredients for Beef with Oyster Sauce

Making Beef with Oyster Sauce at home starts with a few fresh ingredients and some classic Chinese pantry staples. Below is everything you need to prep before cooking.

For the Beef Marinade

1 pound flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon peanut oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Sauce

½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir Fry

2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
½ white onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 thumb of fresh ginger, sliced
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
(or substitute with bell pepper, snow peas, or broccoli)

These simple ingredients create a dish full of flavor, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for easy beef recipes for dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Easy Chinese Recipe

Cooking Beef with Oyster Sauce takes less than 30 minutes when your prep is done ahead. Follow these steps to get the best flavor and texture every time.

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with baking soda, light soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside while you prep the other ingredients. This quick marinade helps tenderize the meat.

2. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the chicken broth, oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside. Stir the sauce again right before using to keep the cornstarch from settling.

3. Sear the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about one minute until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook another minute until just cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Add the remaining oil to the pan. Toss in the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about two minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.

5. Add the Vegetables

Add asparagus or your chosen vegetable. Stir-fry for one minute until slightly tender but still crisp.

6. Pour in the Sauce

Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the pan. Stir everything until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.

7. Combine and Finish

Return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

This recipe works best when everything is prepped before you start cooking. It’s a fast-moving dish, just like in professional Chinese kitchens.

Beef with Oyster Sauce stir fry with asparagus and onions in a black skillet — Tender beef and crisp asparagus tossed in oyster sauce, perfect for a quick stir fry meal

The Secret to Tender Beef with Oyster Sauce

One reason Beef with Oyster Sauce tastes so good at restaurants is the texture of the beef. It’s soft, juicy, and cooks quickly without drying out. The secret lies in one surprising ingredient: baking soda.

A small amount of baking soda in the marinade raises the pH of the beef’s surface. This change slows down the protein tightening as it cooks, which keeps the meat tender. Just half a teaspoon is enough to make a big difference.

This method is often used in Chinese cooking, especially for quick stir-fries like Mongolian beef or beef with broccoli. It works best with cuts like flank steak or skirt steak, which are flavorful but can be chewy without tenderizing.

If you do not want to use baking soda, another option is to slice the beef very thin across the grain and marinate it with a mix of cornstarch, soy sauce, and oil. While not as soft, it still gives a pleasant bite.

What happens if you skip the baking soda?

The beef will still taste good, but it may be a bit firmer. If you prefer a chewier texture or want to keep the recipe fully natural, just marinate longer and make sure to cut the meat against the grain.

Stir Fry Tips from Asian Cooking Traditions

Perfecting Beef with Oyster Sauce comes down to more than just ingredients. Timing, heat, and order matter just as much. These quick stir fry tips, rooted in traditional Asian cooking, will help you avoid common mistakes.

Prep Everything First

In Chinese kitchens, there is a saying: the stir fry waits for no one. Chop your vegetables, mix your sauce, and slice your beef before turning on the heat. Once you start, the whole dish cooks in under ten minutes.

Use High Heat

A hot pan gives you that slight sear on the beef and helps the sauce cling. Let your oil heat until it shimmers before adding anything. Avoid overcrowding the pan or the ingredients will steam instead of fry.

Keep it Moving

Stir constantly but not frantically. Let each ingredient hit the surface of the pan for a few seconds before turning. This method helps develop flavor and keeps the texture right.

Add the Sauce Last

Pour the sauce only after the beef and vegetables are nearly done. Stir just until it thickens and coats everything. Overcooking the sauce can make it too salty or sticky.

These techniques apply across many easy Chinese recipes. Master them once and they carry over to dishes like pepper steak, kung pao chicken, and vegetable lo mein.

Variations and Swaps for Beef Dinners at Home

One of the best parts of Beef with Oyster Sauce is how flexible it is. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have in the fridge.

Switch the Protein

If you do not have beef, you can make this dish with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. Just slice thinly and follow the same marinade and cooking method. Tofu also works for a vegetarian version, especially if you pan-fry it first to build texture.

Use Different Vegetables

Asparagus is great, but not your only option. Try bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli. For firmer veggies like broccoli, blanch them briefly before stir-frying so they cook evenly.

Adjust the Sauce

If oyster sauce is not available, use a mix of hoisin sauce and soy sauce for a similar flavor. You can also reduce the sugar if you want something less sweet, or add chili oil for a spicy kick.

These tweaks keep the dish fresh and prevent boredom, which is especially useful when rotating beef recipes for dinner during the week.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Cooking Recipes

Can I make Beef with Oyster Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and marinate the beef a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture and flavor, cook it fresh just before serving.

What if I cannot find oyster sauce?

You can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar as a substitute. While the flavor will be different, it still creates a rich, satisfying dish.

Is oyster sauce gluten-free?

Many oyster sauces contain wheat, so look for a certified gluten-free version if needed. You can also replace soy sauce with tamari to keep the whole dish gluten-free.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed stir-fry blends work well. Just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

How thin should I slice the beef?

Slice the beef about one quarter inch thick, across the grain. This helps the meat stay tender and absorb the marinade more effectively.

These tips apply to many Chinese cooking recipes and will help improve your stir-fry game across the board.

Nutrition Information for Beef with Oyster Sauce

This dish is not just fast and flavorful. It also fits well into balanced meal plans, especially when paired with rice or steamed vegetables. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving, based on four servings total.

Calories: 269
Protein: 27.2 grams
Carbohydrates: 10.3 grams
Fat: 13.1 grams
Saturated Fat: 3.3 grams
Cholesterol: 71 milligrams
Sodium: 656 milligrams
Potassium: 546 milligrams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 4.3 grams
Calcium: 30 milligrams
Iron: 17 milligrams

These values may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used. If you are watching your sodium or sugar intake, you can reduce the soy sauce and oyster sauce slightly or use low-sodium versions.

Beef with Oyster Sauce stir fry featuring green beans, onions, and red chili in a dark sauce — Beef with Oyster Sauce served with green beans, onions, and chili for a bold, savory stir fry

Conclusion: A Beef Dinner Worth Repeating

Beef with Oyster Sauce is more than just another stir-fry. It delivers rich flavor, tender texture, and satisfying balance in less time than it takes to order takeout. With a few simple techniques and flexible ingredients, you can turn this into a reliable go-to for easy weeknight meals.

Whether you’re new to Chinese cooking or just looking to expand your collection of beef recipes, this one checks every box. Try it once and you may find yourself making it again before the week is over.

If you give it a go, leave a comment or share it with someone who loves a good beef dinner.