Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce: Zesty Weekend Dinner Recipe

Crispy beef in oyster sauce dances with bold, mouthwatering flavors that promise an incredible culinary adventure.

Soy and garlic create a deep, rich backdrop for tender meat strips.

Wok-seared techniques bring incredible texture to every single bite.

Authentic chinese cooking techniques shine through this simple yet elegant dish.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building complex flavor profiles.

Marinating the beef ensures maximum tenderness and depth of taste.

Jump into this recipe and discover a quick, delicious meal that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce: A Savory Stir-Fry

• Enjoy restaurant-quality beef with minimal cooking skills, perfect for home chefs wanting delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Requires basic pantry staples like cornstarch, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly for most home cooks.
• Adaptable dish that works great as a weeknight dinner, impressive date night meal, or casual gathering centerpiece with its bold, savory flavors and crispy texture.
• Delivers restaurant-style results in under an hour, allowing busy individuals to create a mouthwatering meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Beef: A tender meat that becomes crispy and flavorful when battered and fried.

• Cornstarch, Flour: Creates a light and crispy exterior for the beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the beef.
• Egg: Helps the batter stick to the beef and creates a golden coating.
• Water: Helps thin the batter to achieve the right consistency.

• Oyster Sauce: Provides a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic, Ginger: Adds aromatic and zesty notes to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and distinctive flavor to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the beef to achieve a crispy texture.
• Water or Broth: Helps create the right consistency for the sauce.

• Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken and bind the sauce for a glossy finish.

• Steamed Rice or Noodles: Provides a perfect base for the crispy beef.

Cooking Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

Step 1: Slice and Coat the Beef

Cut beef into thin slices, making sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Cornstarch
• Flour
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk in a beaten egg and a splash of water.

Thoroughly coat each beef strip in the batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Create Crispy Golden Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or wok, heating to a sizzling temperature.

Carefully drop battered beef strips into the hot oil, working in small batches.

Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until they transform into golden, crunchy delights.

Transfer the crispy beef to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Craft the Aromatic Sauce

In a separate pan, warm sesame oil over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting their fragrance fill the kitchen.

• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Water or broth

Stir the ingredients together, allowing them to mingle and develop a rich, complex flavor.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Create a quick cornstarch slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Cook for an additional minute until the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly thick consistency that clings beautifully to the beef.

Step 5: Combine and Plate

Gently fold the crispy beef into the warm, fragrant sauce, ensuring each piece gets a luxurious coating.

Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a mouthwatering meal that combines crunch, flavor, and pure comfort.

Pro Tips for Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Cut beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
• Create a light, crispy coating by whisking egg, cornstarch, and flour together, which helps seal in the beef's moisture during frying.
• Use a thermometer or wooden chopstick to check oil heat – bubbles should form around the stick when it's perfectly ready for crispy frying.
• Adjust oyster sauce and soy sauce ratios to control saltiness, adding a touch of sugar to create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Plate the dish immediately after coating beef in sauce to maintain the crispy texture and prevent soggy meat.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled beef to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread beef on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to maintain crispiness.
• Warm a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add beef, stirring gently to prevent breaking. Heat for 3-5 minutes until thoroughly warmed and crispy edges return.

Pairing Suggestions for Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Pair with Vibrant White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to balance the savory oyster sauce and cut through the beef's richness.
• Complement with Refreshing Side Salad: Create a light Asian-inspired salad with cucumber, radish, and pickled vegetables to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the crispy beef's warm, intense flavors.
• Match with Aromatic Rice Varieties: Choose jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful oyster sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with subtle fragrant undertones.
• Enhance with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a light lager or wheat beer with clean, crisp notes that won't overpower the delicate stir-fry, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's richness.

Flavor Variations for Crispy Beef in Oyster Sauce

• Gluten-Free Crispy Beef: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free coating. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure complete gluten-free preparation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan strips. Cut into thin pieces and follow the same batter and frying technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Friendly Version: Skip the flour coating and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a crispy exterior. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrates.
• Spicy Asian Fusion: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the oyster sauce mixture. Include sliced Thai chili peppers for extra heat and complexity in the flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a similar crispy texture and flavor profile.

• Is oyster sauce necessary for this recipe?

Oyster sauce is key to the dish’s flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar as an alternative.

• How do I prevent the batter from falling off during frying?

Ensure the beef is completely dry before coating, and let the battered beef rest for a few minutes before frying to help the batter adhere better.

• What's the best way to get the beef extra crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350F), don’t overcrowd the pan, and fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve maximum crispiness.

Beef in Oyster Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory beef in oyster sauce brings Chinese culinary magic to dinner tables with its rich, umami-packed flavors. Tender strips of beef bathe in a glossy, silky sauce that makes you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (454 grams) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a delicate batter by whisking cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper together. Incorporate beaten egg and water to create a smooth coating for beef strips sliced thinly against the grain.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350F, ensuring optimal temperature for frying. Carefully submerge battered beef strips in hot oil, cooking in small batches for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Transfer fried pieces onto paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. In a separate pan, warm sesame oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes. Pour oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and liquid, stirring to create a harmonious blend.
4. Allow sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors. Introduce cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional minute until reaching desired consistency.
5. Gently fold crispy beef into the glossy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Plate immediately over steamed rice or noodles, serving while hot and maintaining optimal texture.

Notes

• Slice beef against the grain to ensure tenderness and easier chewing during eating.
• Create a light, crispy coating by using a mixture of cornstarch and flour for maximum crunchiness.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350F to achieve golden, crisp exterior without greasy texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that controls salt intake without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg