Beef with Garlic Sauce

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Introduction

Beef with Garlic Sauce is a savory and aromatic dish that brings together tender strips of beef and a bold, flavorful garlic sauce. This Chinese-inspired recipe is beloved for its rich, umami-packed taste that makes every bite irresistible. The beef is stir-fried until perfectly tender and coated in a luscious sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and savory goodness.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a staple in our kitchen. The garlic sauce is what really makes this dish shine—it’s full of deep, savory flavors with just the right amount of heat. Served over a bed of rice or noodles, this quick and easy meal is packed with protein and will satisfy your cravings for something bold and delicious.

What I love most about Beef with Garlic Sauce is how versatile it is. You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to make it even more vibrant and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a dish to impress guests, Beef with Garlic Sauce is the perfect combination of flavor and ease. It’s sure to become a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again!

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight meals
  • Chinese-inspired dinners
  • Stir-fry lovers
  • Meal prep
  • Garlic enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beef with Garlic Sauce will quickly become your go-to dish:

  • Bold Flavors: The garlic sauce is rich and aromatic, with just the right amount of sweetness and depth from soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
  • Tender Beef: The beef is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, coated in a flavorful sauce.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies to make the dish even more flavorful.
  • Healthy: This dish is loaded with protein and can be paired with vegetables for a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, Iron, Fiber, Vitamins C and K

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Beef with Garlic Sauce:

For the Beef:

  • Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: 1 lb (cut into thin strips)
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for stir-frying)
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (to coat the beef)
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste

For the Garlic Sauce:

  • Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced (optional)
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (low-sodium preferred)
  • Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons
  • Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Water or Beef Broth: ¼ cup
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
  • Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: These cuts of beef are ideal for stir-frying because they cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thinly.
  • Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger form the aromatic base of the sauce, adding depth and warmth.
  • Soy Sauce and Hoisin Sauce: Soy sauce gives a savory umami flavor, while hoisin sauce provides sweetness and complexity.
  • Rice Vinegar and Brown Sugar: The combination of rice vinegar and brown sugar balances out the savory and sweet elements of the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a mild kick to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Beef with Garlic Sauce:

Prepare the Beef:

  1. Slice the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure it remains tender when cooked.
  2. Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and pepper to coat. This helps the beef get crispy on the edges during stir-frying.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce:

  1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water or beef broth. Set aside.

Cook the Beef:

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the beef to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, allowing the beef to get golden brown and crispy. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set aside.

Make the Garlic Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and golden.
  2. Add the Sauce: Pour in the prepared garlic sauce, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine the Beef and Sauce:

  1. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the garlic sauce. Toss to coat the beef in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

How to Serve

Here’s how to serve your Beef with Garlic Sauce:

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve the beef and garlic sauce over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
  • With Noodles: Toss the beef and garlic sauce with cooked noodles for a hearty stir-fry-style meal.
  • With Vegetables: Add some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the beef in fresh lettuce leaves for a fun, handheld meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Beef with Garlic Sauce even better:

  • Marinate the Beef: For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use a Wok: A wok is perfect for stir-frying because it distributes heat evenly and allows the beef to cook quickly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a larger batch, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the beef to steam instead of sear.
  • Adjust the Spice: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili paste to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations of Beef with Garlic Sauce to try:

  • Spicy Beef with Garlic Sauce: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
  • Beef with Garlic Sauce and Vegetables: Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
  • Beef with Garlic Sauce and Cashews: For added texture, toss in a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts before serving.
  • Beef with Ginger Garlic Sauce: Double the ginger for a stronger ginger flavor and create a variation with more depth.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store the beef and garlic sauce in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment

You’ll need these tools to make Beef with Garlic Sauce:

  • Wok or Skillet: For stir-frying the beef and vegetables evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the beef.
  • Whisk: To prepare the garlic sauce.
  • Tongs: For flipping the beef while stir-frying.
  • Serving Platter: For serving the beef with garlic sauce and your choice of sides.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
    Yes, ground beef will work, but be sure to cook it until browned before adding the sauce.
  2. Can I make this dish without soy sauce?
    Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari (for a gluten-free version) or coconut aminos for a different flavor profile.
  3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
    To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) before adding the beef back in.
  4. Can I use a different cut of beef?
    Yes, you can use flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye for this dish. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best results.
  5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Beef with Garlic Sauce is a simple, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of tender beef with the aromatic goodness of garlic, ginger, and savory sauces. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to please anyone who loves bold, savory flavors.

With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can enjoy this classic Chinese-inspired dish in no time. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, Beef with Garlic Sauce is guaranteed to be a hit at your table!

I can’t wait to see how your Beef with Garlic Sauce turns out! Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag me so I can check out your delicious creation. Don’t forget to share any tips or variations you used to make the dish your own. Enjoy every bite!

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