If you’re looking for a vibrant, wholesome dinner that’s bursting with fresh flavors and packed with nutrition, you have to try this Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe. It’s a fantastic mix of tender, juicy beef strips, crisp-tender baby bok choy, and the bright, warming zing of fresh ginger, all brought together with a luscious oyster sauce glaze. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or craving a healthy, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on simplicity, taste, and quick cleanup, making it a new favorite in your kitchen arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing the dish to life. The savory beef provides hearty protein, the ginger adds that stunning aromatic kick, and baby bok choy offers a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast that keeps the stir-fry light and vibrant. Every element is carefully chosen to balance flavor and texture perfectly.
- 12 ounces beef flank steak: Lean and flavorful, perfect for quick stir-frying when sliced thin.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger: Adds a fragrant, zesty note that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 ½ teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon dry sherry plus 1 Tbsp. divided: Adds subtle complexity and sweetness to the marinade and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and creates a silky sauce.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and enhances the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons oyster-flavored sauce: Rich, savory, and slightly sweet, it’s the star of the stir-fry sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Needed to get that perfect sear on the beef and cook the bok choy.
- 1 pound baby bok choy, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Offers a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted chicken broth: Helps steam the bok choy and keeps everything moist.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing your beef flank steak into thin 1/4-inch strips, cutting across the grain to ensure each bite is tender and easy to chew. Toss the beef together with minced ginger, reduced-sodium soy sauce, one teaspoon of dry sherry, and cornstarch. This mixture works like a charm to infuse the beef with flavor while tenderizing it. Finish by adding toasted sesame oil to coat the beef lightly—the oil adds a fantastic aroma that will fill your kitchen with excitement.
Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the oyster-flavored sauce with the remaining tablespoon of dry sherry. This bold and savory combo will be the luscious sauce that ties the whole dish together. Set it aside for later so you can add it during the final stir.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat your wok or skillet over high heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water instantly vaporizes. Swirl in the vegetable oil, then arrange the beef in an even layer. Resist the urge to stir immediately—let the beef brown undisturbed for about a minute before tossing it around. This quick sear locks in the juices and develops a tantalizing crust. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to a minute until the beef is lightly browned but not fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate.
Step 4: Cook the Baby Bok Choy
Next, add the baby bok choy and chicken broth to the empty pan, then cover it. The steam cooks the bok choy rapidly, turning the greens bright and tender-crisp. This only takes 1 to 2 minutes, and this step is key for that fresh crunch that complements the succulent beef perfectly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the beef to the pan, pour in the reserved oyster-sherry sauce, and quickly stir-fry for another 30 seconds to a minute. This final toss ensures the beef is cooked just right while coating every piece and the bok choy in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and texture, sprinkle chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top of your stir-fry just before serving. A few thin slices of fresh red chili can add a lovely heat if you like a little spice. These little touches really elevate the dish’s appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. If you want to round out your meal with more veggies, a simple cucumber salad or a side of sautéed snow peas will do the trick perfectly. The mildness of these sides balances the rich beef flavors neatly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir-fry over whole wheat or egg noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil. Or wrap the beef and bok choy in warm lettuce leaves for hand-held bites that are both fresh and satisfying. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to whatever presentation style suits your occasion and mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish tastes great when reheated within 2 days, though you might notice the bok choy softens slightly. It still makes a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this recipe because the bok choy’s texture can become mushy when thawed. If you do freeze leftovers, separate the beef and bok choy, freezing the beef alone for better texture retention. Use within one month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat your stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir constantly to prevent the beef from drying out. Avoid using a microwave if possible, to preserve the dish’s texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Is bok choy healthy?
Absolutely! Bok choy is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with vitamins C and K, calcium, and antioxidants. It supports immune health and offers a crisp, refreshing bite that keeps stir-fries light and energizing.
Is flank steak good for you?
Yes, flank steak is a lean cut that provides plenty of protein along with essential minerals like iron and zinc. It’s a great choice if you want a filling yet relatively low-fat beef option.
Is there a substitute for flank steak?
If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak is a fantastic alternative due to its similar texture and beefy flavor. Just be sure to slice it thin against the grain for tenderness.
I don’t have dry sherry, is there a substitute?
No worries! Shaoxing wine is a perfect stand-in, delivering authentic Chinese flavor, or you can use a dry white wine with a touch of sugar as a last resort.
What can I serve with the Beef Stir-Fry?
This dish shines alongside fluffy brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodle varieties. Pair it with light vegetable sides like snow peas or steamed broccoli to create a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a quick, nourishing meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, and this Beef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe does exactly that. The blend of juicy beef, fresh greens, and bold ginger flavor is simply unforgettable. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will become your go-to for busy nights and a favorite dish to share with friends and family!
PrintBeef Stir-Fry with Baby Bok Choy & Ginger Recipe
This easy and healthy beef stir-fry features tender flank steak and crisp baby bok choy cooked together in a wok with fragrant ginger and savory sauces. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines lean protein and nutrient-rich greens with bold Asian flavors for a delicious, low-carb, diabetes-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 5 cups (serves 4)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Diabetic
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 12 ounces beef flank steak, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry sherry plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster-flavored sauce, preferably Lee Kum Kee Premium
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (from the divided amount above)
Vegetables and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound baby bok choy, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef flank steak with the grain into 2-inch-wide strips. Then cut each strip across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices to ensure tenderness. In a medium bowl, combine the beef, minced fresh ginger, reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dry sherry, and cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Add the toasted sesame oil and toss again to lightly coat the beef evenly.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the oyster-flavored sauce with the remaining 1 tablespoon of dry sherry. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use in the stir-fry.
- Heat the Wok or Skillet: Place a 14-inch flat-bottomed carbon-steel wok or a 12-inch stainless-steel skillet over high heat. Heat it until a drop of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds on contact, indicating it is hot enough. Swirl in the vegetable oil to coat the cooking surface thoroughly.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute until it starts to brown nicely. Then, using a metal spatula, stir-fry the beef for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until it is lightly browned but still not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and transfer it to a plate temporarily.
- Cook the Bok Choy: Add the baby bok choy and unsalted chicken broth to the hot pan. Cover the pan and let the bok choy steam-cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the greens turn bright green and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish Stir-Frying: Return the partially cooked beef to the pan with the bok choy. Pour in the reserved oyster sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything together for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the beef is just cooked through and the bok choy is tender-crisp. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use skirt steak as a substitute for flank steak if desired, cutting it similarly against the grain.
- If dry sherry is unavailable, Shaoxing wine is an excellent alternative for authentic flavor.
- Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- For more veggies, try pairing with Cauliflower Stir-Fry or Zucchini Stir-Fry.
- Make sure not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- Bok choy is highly nutritious and cooks quickly, keeping its crunch when properly stir-fried.