Chinese-Style Beef With Choy Sum (Easy Stir-Fry Recipe)

Chinese-Style Beef With Choy Sum (Easy Stir-Fry Recipe)

If you love simple Asian stir-fry dishes that are packed with flavor and take less than 30 minutes to cook, this Stir-Fried Beef With Choy Sum will become one of your go-to meals.
It combines juicy slices of beef with crisp, fresh choy sum (Chinese flowering cabbage), creating a delicious and nourishing dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

This version uses clean, everyday ingredients and a quick marinating method that keeps the beef incredibly tender and flavorful. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for the perfect complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Stir-Fry

  • Fast and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes.

  • Tender beef: A light coating of starch locks in moisture.

  • Crisp greens: Choy sum adds freshness, texture, and vibrant color.

  • Family-friendly: Mild, clean flavors everyone can enjoy.

  • Perfect for meal prep: Stays juicy even when reheated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef

  • 200g beef (sirloin, tenderloin, flank steak, or any tender cut), thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • A pinch of salt

  • White pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)

For the Vegetables

  • 300g choy sum (or substitute with bok choy or Chinese broccoli)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • A small piece of ginger, cut into thin strips (optional)

  • A little red bell pepper for color (optional)

Other

  • Cooking oil, as needed

  • Salt, to taste

How to Make Stir-Fried Beef With Choy Sum

Step 1 — Slice and Marinate the Beef

Cut the beef against the grain into thin, even slices.
Place the slices into a bowl and add light soy sauce, regular soy sauce, white pepper, a small pinch of salt, and the cornstarch.
Mix well and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
The starch helps the beef stay tender and silky once cooked.

Step 2 — Prepare the Choy Sum

Wash the choy sum thoroughly and remove any tough leaves or thick ends.
Chop into medium-sized pieces.
Blanch briefly in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 1–2 minutes, just until bright green.
Drain and set aside.

Step 3 — Prep the Aromatics

Chop the garlic and slice the ginger if using.
These aromatics give the stir-fry its signature fragrance.

Step 4 — Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a wok or pan over medium-high heat and add cooking oil.
When the oil is hot, add the garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant.
Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly.
Once the beef changes color (about 1 minute), remove it from the pan.
This keeps the meat tender and prevents overcooking.

Step 5 — Stir-Fry the Choy Sum

Add a little more oil if the pan looks dry.
Add the blanched choy sum and stir-fry with a small pinch of salt.

Step 6 — Combine Everything

Return the beef to the wok and stir-fry with the choy sum for 2–3 minutes.
Everything should be evenly coated, hot, and flavorful.
Finish with a light sprinkle of white pepper.

Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Slice beef thinly to keep it tender and fast-cooking.

  • Do not overcook—high heat and speed are key to juicy beef.

  • Blanching the greens keeps them bright and crisp.

  • Use fresh aromatics for the deepest flavor.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve over steamed jasmine rice

  • Pair with noodles or fried rice

  • Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and color

Chinese-Style Beef With Choy Sum (Easy Stir-Fry Recipe)

Stir-Fried Beef With Choy Sum

A quick, flavorful Asian stir-fry featuring tender beef and crisp choy sum. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 8–10 min | Total Time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS
 

Beef Marinade:

  • 200g beef (sirloin, tenderloin, or flank), thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • White pepper, to taste

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • 300g choy sum (or bok choy)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • Ginger, thinly sliced (optional)

  • Red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

For Cooking:

  • Cooking oil

  • Salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
  

1. Marinate the Beef
Slice beef against the grain. Combine with soy sauce, light soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Rest for 15–20 minutes.

2. Prepare the Choy Sum
Wash, trim, and cut into medium pieces. Blanch in salted boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain.

3. Prep Aromatics
Mince garlic and slice ginger.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat oil in a wok, stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add beef and cook briefly on high heat until the color changes. Remove.

5. Cook the Choy Sum
Add a bit more oil. Toss in the choy sum and season lightly with salt.

6. Combine
Return beef to the wok. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until everything is coated and flavorful. Finish with white pepper.

Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Tried this recipe?
Let me know how it was!
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