Beef and Baby Corn Stir-fry with tender-crisp veggies and a sweet and savory sauce that’s perfect with steamed rice. Easy to make in one pan and 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, learn the technique on how to make the beef super tender and moist!
If you’re looking for a tasty beef entree to add to your family dinner rotation or holiday celebration menu, look no further than beef stir-fry. With tender beef slices, crisp veggies, baby corn, and a savory brown sauce, it’s hearty, tasty, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Beef and baby corn stir-fry is quick and easy to make yet delivers amazing taste and texture the whole family will love. Just a handful of ingredients, one pan, and 30 minutes and you’re on your way to a delectable dish everyone will be fighting over.
Cooking technique to tender beef stir-fry
The secret to super moist and tender beef in stir-frying is a Chinese cooking technique called velveting.
In this method, the meat is marinated in cornstarch and soy sauce and then briefly blanched in oil or water before finishing off during the stir-fry process with the rest of the ingredients. The simple process creates a protective coat that seals moisture and keeps the beef moist and velvety soft.
Sauce ingredients
This recipe uses my tried and tested and ever trusted sauce combination: a simple mixture of broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and sugar perfectly thickened with a cornstarch slurry.
If you’re a fan of quick stir-fry meals, you need this best stir-fry sauce in your life! A delicious medley of sweet and savory, it delivers tons of flavor you’ll love on shrimp, chicken, and vegetables.
Cooking tips
- Cut the beef across the grain for a more tender chew. For easier slicing, freeze the meat for about 15 to 30 minutes or until slightly firm.
- Stir-fries are quick recipes; make sure to have ingredients prepped and ready to go.
- I like to use baby corn, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and snow peas, but broccoli florets, chopped cabbage, and carrot strips are also delicious options.
How to serve
- Serve with steamed rice and chow mein noodles to make it a complete Asian-inspired dinner!
- To store leftovers, allow to cool completely and transfer to airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
For another quick Asian-themed recipe, try this Green Bean Chicken and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch strips
- 6 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 8 baby corn, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, drained
- 12 snow peas, ends trimmed
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine beef, 4 tablespoons of the soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir to fully coat meat and let stand for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine water, oyster sauce, the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, sugar and pepper. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- With hands, gently squeeze meat to extract marinade. Add excess liquid into the bowl of oyster sauce mixture (this is important as the cornstarch from the marinade will thicken the stir-fry sauce).
- In a wok or wide pan over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add bell peppers, baby corn, and water chestnuts and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add snow peas and cook for another 10 seconds. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add beef in a single layer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pan, cook beef in batches if needed. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Wipe down wok as needed. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add onions and garlic and cook until softened.
- Add beef and vegetable mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through and coated with sauce. Serve hot.
Video
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Anna Natividad says
Hi Ms. Lalaine! I would really love to try cooking this dish to bring to my boyfriend’s house in the province. May I ask if there is any substitute to Chinese cooking wine? I am not sure how to identify which is Chinese cooking wine at the supermarket, so I hope there’s a substitute for it. And do you think this will survive for 8-10 hours without being refrigerated? Really hoping for your reply! Thank you! 🙂
Ruby Briones says
Ms laine what other alternative or replacement for oyster sauce?
Lalaine says
Hmm, good question! I’ve never tried subbing oyster sauce before but if I had to, I’d use hoisin sauce and add a little soy sauce to temper its sweetness.