Beef Yu Choy Stir Fry is an easy stir fry - packed with protein and leafy greens! The beef is marinated, and then stir fried with yu choy (aka choy sum) in a tasty sauce.
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About Yu Choy
Yu choy is a very common Chinese green leafy vegetable in China and Taiwan. It's name in Chinese (油菜) directly translates to "oil vegetable" in English. . It is named this because this vegetable is closely related to rapeseed, which is what is used to make canola oil. It's also known as Choy Sum.
Though it looks a similar to Chinese broccoli (aka Gai Lan), it is not the same vegetable.
Yu choy has a similar taste to baby spinach, but it is a lot more of a crunchy texture. It also actually can also have a subtle bitter and peppery taste.
How to Stir Fry Beef and Yu Choy (Step by Step)
First gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb beef, cut in to cubes
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil/fat
- 1 lb yu choy
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Salt to taste
In a large bowl, combine beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
Cut off the hard piece at the bottom of the yu choy stems and trash. Now cut the vegetable in about 2 inch length, but keep the stem parts in one section, and the leafy greens in another section.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet on high heat, and add garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, and then add the beef . Stir fry for about a minute or until beef is slightly browned, and then remove from heat, set aside.
If the pan is dry, add another tablespoon of oil to wok/skillet, and add yu choy stems. Stir fry for about a minute, and then add the leaves. (The reason for this is because the stems take longer to cook.) Stir fry until leaves are vibrant green.
Return the beef in to wok, add oyster sauce, and let it cook stirring constantly until beef is cooked to desired tenderness.
Remove from heat and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yu choy?
Yu choy (油菜), also known as choy sum, is a leafy green vegetable common in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. It has tender leaves, crunchy stems, and a slightly peppery, spinach-like flavor.
Can I substitute yu choy with another vegetable?
Yes! If you can't find yu choy, you can use Chinese broccoli (gai lan), baby bok choy, or even spinach. The texture will be a little different, but the stir fry will still taste great.
What kind of beef should I use?
Flank steak, sirloin, or any cut that's good for quick stir frying works best. Slice against the grain for tenderness.
Do I need to marinate the beef?
Only if you want it tender! LOL But seriously, even 15 minutes of marinating makes a big difference. It helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Don't overcook it! Stir fry on high heat just until browned, then finish cooking when you add it back to the pan with the yu choy and sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce to make it suitable.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a wok or skillet over medium heat so the beef doesn't get tough and the greens don't get mushy.
Beef Yu Choy Stir Fry Recipe
Beef Yu Choy Stir Fry is an easy stir fry – packed with protein and leafy greens! The beef is marinated, and then stir fried with yu choy (aka choy sum) in a tasty sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, cut in to cubes
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil/fat
- 1 lb yu choy
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
- Cut off the hard piece at the bottom of the yu choy stems and trash. Now cut the vegetable in about 2 inch length, but keep the stem parts in one section, and the leafy greens in another section.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet on high heat, and add garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, and then add the beef . Stir fry for about a minute or until beef is slightly browned, and then remove from heat, set aside.
- If the pan is dry, add another tablespoon of oil to wok/skillet, and add yu choy stems. Stir fry for about a minute, and then add the leaves. (The reason for this is because the stems take longer to cook.) Stir fry until leaves are vibrant green.
- Return the beef in to wok, add oyster sauce, and let it cook stirring constantly until beef is cooked to desired tenderness.
- Remove from heat and serve!
Recommended Products
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Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Flat-Bottom Wok, 10-Inch, Black - 1877054 -
Hiware 10-Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 ½ Inches - Black
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Wan Ja Shan Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce, 33.8 fl. oz. VEGAN. NON-GMO. NO MSG ADDED. 100% Naturally Brewed. No Chemical Soy Sauce.No Caramel Coloring.
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Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar, 24 oz
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Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil, 22.10 Fluid Ounce
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Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 398Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 1116mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 32g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious and Easy Beef Stir Fry Recipes!
- If you love noodles, you have to try this Beef Noodles Stir Fry! Marinated beef stir fried with garlic, carrots, onions, snow peas, and tender noodles in a tasty sauce! This recipe is yummy and easy to make!
- Pepper Steak with Onions Stir Fry is pretty much always a win! Perfect for week days or weeknights - tender beef stir fried with peppers and onions!
- How about another easy and yummy stir fry? Try my Mongolian Beef Stir Fry! This flavorful dish is popular in Chinese restaurants, and also actually very easy to make at home!
- You can also cook it with all the veggies! With this Beef Vegetables Stir Fry - tender marinated beef, crisp baby corn, and fresh veggies-all tossed in a savory oyster sauce.
- Only have ground beef? No worries! Make this delicious Stir Fry Ground Beef recipe! It features ground beef, onions, mushrooms, and garlic, sprinkled with green onions in a soy sauce mixture!
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