Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry

Tender marinated beef and savory mushrooms come together in this easy Chinese Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry. The beef is stir-fried until juicy and flavorful, while the mushrooms soak up garlic, oyster sauce, and a splash of rice wine for an extra boost of umami. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple weeknight dinner is delicious served over steamed rice or noodles.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Chinese Beef with Mushroom Stir Fry
• About the Ingredients
• How to Stir Fry Chinese Beef with Mushroom (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Beef & Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe
• More Delicious Beef Stir Fry Recipes
• Pin for later!
• Want to learn more?

Why You'll Love This Chinese Beef with Mushroom Stir Fry

• Quick & Easy - Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
• Flavor-Packed - Savory, garlicky, slightly sweet, and full of umami from mushrooms and oyster sauce.
• Customizable - Works with different cuts of beef and types of mushrooms.
• Great for Weeknights - One pan, no fuss, and perfect with rice or noodles.
• Asian Comfort Food - Tastes like something you'd order at a Chinese restaurant, but made at home.

About the Ingredients

Here's a quick rundown of the key ingredients:

Beef

Sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, or tri-tip all work well. You can thinly slice the beef against the grain for a traditional stir fry texture or cut it into bite-sized cubes for a heartier, steak-like bite:

Soy Sauce

Adds saltiness and umami to the marinade.

Rice Wine

Rice wine adds depth and complexity to the dish. I use it both in the marinade and while cooking the mushrooms. Shaoxing wine is my preferred choice, but dry sherry works well too.

Sesame Oil

Adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the beef beautifully.

Cornstarch

Helps tenderize the beef and creates that classic velvety stir-fry texture.

Sugar

Just a touch balances the savory flavors.

Oyster Sauce

This is technically optional - it adds richness, sweetness, and umami. You can substitute thick soy sauce (醬油膏) if preferred.

Mushrooms

Cremini, white button, shiitake, oyster mushrooms, or king oyster mushrooms all work well in this recipe.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds lots of flavor and pairs perfectly with both the beef and mushrooms.

Green Onions (Optional)

A sprinkle of green onions adds freshness and color before serving.

How to Stir Fry Chinese Beef with Mushroom (Step by Step)

First gather the ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced or cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Marinate the beef:
In a bowl, combine the beef, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and sugar. Toss until evenly coated and let marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes.

Stir-fry the beef:
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir fry until mostly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.

Cook the mushrooms:
Add the garlic and mushrooms to the same pan. Stir fry for about 2 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.

Add 1 tablespoon rice wine and continue cooking for another minute. The mushrooms will absorb the flavorful liquid while releasing their own juices.

Combine everything:
Return the beef to the skillet and add the oyster sauce (if using). Stir fry everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce coats everything evenly.

Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Storage & Reheat

To Store

Allow the beef and mushroom stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Reheat

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.

You can also microwave leftovers in 30-second intervals until warm, though the mushrooms may become slightly softer.

Can I Freeze It?

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. However, mushrooms tend to release moisture and soften after thawing, so the texture won't be quite as good as when freshly made.

For best quality, I recommend enjoying this stir fry fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same marinade and stir-fry steps.

What's a good substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use thick soy sauce (soy paste), hoisin sauce, or even a mix of soy sauce + sugar + a little cornstarch. It won't taste exactly the same, but it'll still be delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?
The beef can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. The stir-fry is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in a skillet or microwave.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and gluten-free oyster sauce. Double-check any other sauces or packaged ingredients.

What's the best way to serve this?
Serve it over hot steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also add a side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

Why is the video slightly different from the written recipe?
The video shows my original version, which used thick soy sauce in the marinade. I've since updated the written recipe to use regular soy sauce and oyster sauce so it's easier for everyone to make. You can use either - both versions are delicious!

More Delicious Beef Stir Fry Recipes

• Beef and Vegetables Stir Fry - A colorful mix of baby corn, asparagus, and carrots tossed with juicy beef in a tasty, savory sauce.
• Beef Noodles Stir Fry - Marinated beef stir-fried with garlic, carrots, onions, snow peas, and noodles in a flavorful sauce - a hearty one-pan meal!
• Stir Fry Ground Beef - Ground beef stir-fried with onions, mushrooms, and garlic, then sprinkled with green onions in a simple, savory soy sauce mixture.
• Beef Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry - Tender beef stir-fried with oyster mushrooms, green onions, and oyster sauce for a rich umami flavor. Ready in about 25 minutes!

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Want to learn more?

Check out my FULL BLOWN "How to Stir Fry at Home" eBook! You will learn everything you need to know to master stir fries at home!