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Delicious tender beef dish served with fresh vegetables and herbs

Tender Beef in Minutes

This quick-cooking beef recipe yields tender, juicy bites in under 20 minutes. Using a simple marinade and fast cooking method, it’s perfect for stir-fries, wraps, rice bowls, or salads — without needing a slow cooker or hours of simmering.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Serves 2–4
  • For the beef:
  • 450 g 1 lb beef (sirloin, flank, skirt, or ribeye), thinly sliced across the grain
  • Quick marinade:
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil vegetable or sesame
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda optional, for extra tenderizing
  • 1 tsp minced garlic or ginger optional, for flavor
  • For cooking:
  • 1 –2 tbsp oil for frying
  • Optional garnish: sesame seeds sliced green onions, chili flakes

Equipment

  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Mixing bowl or zip-top bag
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Optional: meat tenderizer/mallet

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef:
  2. Cut beef into thin strips across the grain. The thinner, the quicker and more tender it will cook.
  3. Marinate:
  4. In a bowl, toss beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, oyster sauce, oil, sugar, and baking soda (if using).
  5. Let marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes (or longer in fridge).
  6. Heat the pan:
  7. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add oil and let it get hot.
  8. Sear the beef:
  9. Add beef in a single layer (in batches if needed). Cook for 1–2 minutes per side without stirring too much — allow browning.
  10. Remove from heat once cooked through and tender (about 4–5 minutes total).
  11. Serve immediately:
  12. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
  13. Serve over rice, noodles, salad, or in tacos or wraps.

Notes

Baking soda trick: Helps tenderize tough cuts — don’t skip it if you want ultra-soft meat fast.
Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of sear.
Make it saucy: Add a splash of water, soy sauce, and honey to the pan after cooking and stir for a quick glaze.
Great for meal prep or quick dinners — store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.