Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or the hassle of takeout? This easy Beef & Tofu Stir-Fry recipe delivers authentic Chinese flavors right to your kitchen table. We're combining the satisfying heartiness of beef with the delightful lightness of tofu, all tossed in a vibrant, savory sauce that's bursting with ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish is surprisingly simple to master.
The secret to its success lies in a perfectly balanced sauce and quick stir-frying technique that locks in the ingredients' freshness and flavor. Ready to create a delicious and healthy meal that will impress everyone? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Air Fryer (optional)
- Chopsticks or Bamboo Skewer
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Sliced Chuck Tender Beef: 300g
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce: 0.5 tbsp
- Light Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
- White Pepper: a few dashes
- Sugar: 0.5 tsp
- Baking Soda: 0.25 tsp
- Water: 40ml
- Cornflour: 2 tbsp
- Oil: 1 tbsp + oil for frying
- Egg Tofu: 400g
- Spring Onions: 4 stems
- Garlic: 6 cloves
- Water (for sauce): 120ml
- Duck Sauce: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 0.5 tsp
- Shaoxing Wine: 1 tbsp
- Sesame Oil: 1 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Proteins
- In a bowl, combine sliced beef with oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, white pepper, sugar, baking soda, and water. Mix well until beef absorbs the marinade. (Let it sit for 10-20 minutes)
- Add cornflour and oil to the marinated beef, mix gently. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan. Gently place tofu slices in the hot oil, ensuring they don’t move initially. Fry until golden brown on both sides. (Air frying method: Spray oil in the air fryer basket, coat tofu in cornflour and oil, then air fry at 180°C for 15 minutes.)
- In the same pan (without reducing heat), add the marinated beef and stir-fry until color changes. Remove from pan.
Step 2. Make the Sauce and Stir-Fry
- In the pan, sauté spring onions and garlic until fragrant. Add water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, duck sauce, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Add tofu, remaining spring onions, beef, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Serve
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Cut beef against the grain for extra tenderness.
- Baking soda helps tenderize the beef (optional).
- Cornflour helps keep the beef juicy and prevents it from breaking apart during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying tofu or beef. Fry in batches if necessary.
- If using soft tofu, handle with care as it's more delicate.
- Don't turn off the heat immediately after frying the tofu or beef; let the oil cool slightly before removing it from the pan to prevent oil from soaking into the ingredients.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more cornflour to thicken it.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best in this recipe as it holds its shape during stir-frying. Avoid silken tofu as it's too soft.
2. What if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?
Don't worry! You can substitute ingredients. For example, you can use soy sauce instead of tamari for a saltier flavor, or omit the rice vinegar if needed. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
This Restaurant-Style Beef & Tofu Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your wok (or large skillet!), and enjoy the delicious results!