This is the absolute best Beef Stir Fry with Bok Choy and Mushrooms with a perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet and spicy flavors with a variety of textures.
A stir fry typically has a balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors. The primary flavor comes from the sauce that is used, which is typically made from a combination of ingredients such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.
The sauce is added to the pan towards the end of the cooking process, and is quickly stirred through the ingredients to coat them evenly, this gives the dish a savory and salty taste. The sweetness comes from the addition of sugar in the sauce.
The vegetables, meat or protein used in a stir fry can also contribute to the overall taste. Vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and bok choy have a slightly crunchy texture and a mild flavor, while ingredients like ginger, garlic, and onions add a depth of flavor and aroma.
Meat such as chicken, beef, or pork are also popular, they are cooked quickly and have a tender texture, adding a savory and meaty taste to the dish.
Stir fry dishes are also known for their variety of textures, the combination of meats, vegetables and sauces creates a unique and delicious taste, each ingredient retains its individual taste and texture, but the combination of them all creates a unique and enjoyable flavor experience.
The taste of a stir fry can vary greatly depending on the ingredients used and the type of sauce, but it is generally a balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors with a variety of textures.
The basic technique of a stir fry involves cooking small, bite-sized pieces of food over high heat in a wok or frying pan. The food is cooked quickly, usually for only a few minutes, and is constantly stirred and tossed to ensure that it cooks evenly.
This method of cooking helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients, and also helps to prevent them from becoming overcooked or mushy.
A stir fry typically starts with a base of oil, which is heated in the wok or frying pan. This is followed by the addition of aromatics, such as garlic, ginger, and onions, which are quickly stir-fried to release their flavors. Next, the main ingredients, such as vegetables or meat, are added and cooked until they are just tender.
A sauce, made from a combination of ingredients such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, is then added to the pan, and is quickly stirred through the ingredients to coat them evenly.
There are countless variations of stir fry dishes, and the ingredients used can vary greatly depending on personal taste, dietary restrictions, and cultural influences. Some popular vegetables used in stir fry dishes include Bok choy, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms.
Meat or protein options include beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, tofu, and tempeh. Some stir fry dishes also include a starch component such as rice or noodles.
One of the benefits of stir fry is its versatility, you can use almost any type of protein, vegetable and sauce, depending on your preference. It is also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet as they can be added in large quantity. It is also a great way to use up leftovers or small amounts of ingredients that you may have on hand.
Stir fry is also a relatively healthy way of cooking, as it requires very little oil and the ingredients are cooked quickly, which helps to retain their nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of the sauce used, as some store-bought sauces can be high in sugar and sodium.
A good stir fry is all about balance and technique. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect stir fry:
- Prep your ingredients beforehand: Having all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and faster. This means cutting your meats and vegetables into bite-sized pieces, mixing your sauces, and having your seasonings measured out.
- Use a hot pan: A hot pan is essential for getting that nice char on your ingredients and sealing in their flavors. Heat your pan over high heat until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.
- Cook in small batches: Crowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent your ingredients from getting that nice char. Cook your ingredients in small batches, and remove them from the pan before adding the next batch.
- Use the right oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, is best for stir frying. Avoid using oils with low smoke points, such as olive oil, as they can smoke and burn at high temperatures.
- Don’t over-sauce: A little bit of sauce goes a long way in a stir fry. Too much sauce can make your dish overly salty and greasy. Start with a small amount of sauce and add more to taste.
- Add vegetables first: Vegetables take longer to cook than meats, so add them to the pan first. This will ensure that they are cooked through by the time the meats are finished.
- Don’t over-stir: Over-stirring your ingredients can cause them to become mushy and lose their texture. Stir gently and infrequently to keep your ingredients crisp.
- Experiment with flavors: Stir fry is a great opportunity to experiment with different flavors and cuisines. Try using different sauces, seasonings, and ingredients to create unique and delicious dishes.
- Serve it hot: Stir fry is best served hot and fresh off the stove, so be sure to have your plates and serving dishes ready before you start cooking.
Overall, the key to a good stir fry is balance of flavors, texture and temperature. A good stir fry should be a medley of different ingredients, with a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Each ingredient should retain its texture and flavors. And it should be served hot, so the flavors and texture are at their best. With a little practice and the right techniques, you’ll be able to create delicious stir fry dishes in no time.
Ingredients in Beef Stir Fry with Bok Choy and Mushrooms:
Baby Bok Choy: look for the small heads of baby Bok choy, they are much more tender than the large heads that are similar to Romaine lettuce in size. But if that it all you can find, you can go ahead and substitute them.
Mushroom: You can really use any mushroom of your choosing, I am using a mixture of shitake, oyster, and baby bellas for the ultimate Unami flavor.
Bell Peppers: I am using a combination of red and yellow bell peppers simply because that is what I have in my fridge and they needed to be used. Which is a perfect example of how versatile a stir fry can be. You have something that you need to use up? Throw it in!
How to make Beef Stir Fry with Bok Choy and Mushrooms:
Slice the Bok choy, separating the bright green leaves from the white stalks, the more fibrous stalks will take just a tad longer to cook then the tender leafy greens.
Slice the mushrooms.
Grate or finely copy the ginger and garlic.
Thinly slice the steak.
Get a wok or skillet screaming hot, add oil, add the whites of the Boy choy and sauté one minute.
Add the garlic and ginger and sauté one minute.
Add mushrooms and sauté two minutes.
Add the leafy greens of the Boy choy and toss well to combine.
Add the thinly sliced steak and sauté two minutes until browned.
Add the stir fry sauce.
Cook about two minutes until nice and thick.
Serve immediately topped with green onions, either tossed with noodles or over rice.
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Beef Stir Fry with Bok Choy and Mushrooms
Equipment
- Wok
Ingredients
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce , I like a mixture of 1/4 cup regular soy sauce and 1/2 cup dark soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Stir Fry
- 1 pound sirloin steak thinly sliced
- 6 oz mushrooms sliced, I like a mixture of shiitake, oyster & baby bella
- 1 1.2 pounds Bok choy sliced with white stalks and green leaves separated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onion, for garnish sliced
Instructions
Stir Fry Sauce
- Combine all ingredients well in a bowl or mason jar.
Stir Fry
- Heat wok or large skillet over high heat, add oil.
- Add white ends of the Boy choy and sauté one minute.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and sauté two minutes.
- Add leafy ends of the Boy choy and toss well.
- Add steak and sauté two minutes until browned.
- Mix in stir fry sauce and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately tossed with noodles or served over rice and garnished with green onion.
Nutrition
What is the difference between dark soy sauce and light soy sauce?
Dark soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, and salt that have been fermented for longer than light soy sauce. It is aged for several months to several years, giving it a richer, more complex flavor. It also has a darker color due to the caramelization of the sugar during the fermentation process.
Dark soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than light soy sauce, and is often used as a glaze or to add color to dishes.
Light soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, and salt that have been fermented for a shorter period of time. It is thinner and saltier than dark soy sauce and is often used as a seasoning or as a dipping sauce. It is generally used in cooking and not as a table condiment.
Both dark and light soy sauce can be used in different ways and in different dishes, but they do have some distinct differences in flavor and texture.
This recipe has FAR too much soy sauce. I can’t believe anyone tasted this mess before publishing the recipe. You ruined a nice piece of steak.