Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry

Tender marinated beef stir-fried with savory mushrooms - this easy Chinese-style dish is packed with umami flavor and comes together in under 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

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)
• 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 and any helpful tips or substitutes:

• Beef:
  I recommend cuts like sirloin, flank, or ribeye because they stir-fry quickly and stay tender. Slice them against the grain to keep things juicy.
• Soy Sauce:
  Used in the marinade for salt and umami. I typically use regular soy sauce here instead of dark or light soy sauce.
• Rice Wine:
  Adds a touch of complexity and helps balance the flavor. If you don't have Chinese rice wine (like Shaoxing), you can use dry sherry or skip it for a milder flavor.
• Sesame Oil:
  Adds a nutty aroma to the marinade. A little goes a long way!
• Cornstarch:
  This helps tenderize the beef and gives it that velvety stir-fry texture.
• Sugar:
  Just a touch to balance out the savory elements. Brown sugar works too.
• Oyster Sauce or Thick Soy Sauce (醬油膏):
  Both options add sweetness, saltiness, and richness. If you're using thick soy sauce, expect a deeper, more glossy finish. Oyster sauce is easier to find and works beautifully here.
• Mushrooms:
  Cremini or white mushrooms are great, but feel free to use shiitake, king oyster, or whatever you have on hand.
• Garlic:
  Lots of garlic = lots of flavor! You can reduce it slightly if you're sensitive, but I love it with all five cloves.

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

First gather the ingredients:

• 1 lb beef, cut into smaller pieces (sirloin, ribeye, or flank)
• 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 (or substitute with thick soy sauce / soy paste)

Marinate the beef:
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the beef with soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and sugar. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. If prepping ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.

Stir-fry the beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry until mostly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the mushrooms:
In the same pan, add the garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the mushrooms start to soften.

Combine everything:
Return the beef to the skillet, add the oyster sauce (or thick soy sauce), and stir-fry everything together for another 1 minute, or longer if you prefer the beef more well done.

Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles!

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!