If you’re craving a dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor, then the Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe is your perfect answer. This delightful combination brings together tender, marinated beef with soft, fluffy scrambled eggs in a simple stir-fry that bursts with savory, umami-rich goodness. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share with friends, making it one of those go-to meals you’ll come back to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of basic yet essential ingredients is all you need to create this mouthwatering Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—from tenderizing the beef, adding the perfect seasoning, to giving the eggs their silky texture and bright flavor.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing tender cuts and slicing against the grain ensures each bite is succulent and easy to chew.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty umami flavor fundamental to this dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and savory depth that lifts the beef’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a fragrant nuttiness that is quintessentially Chinese.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the beef when stir-fried.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Offers gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying, ensuring crisp edges and no sticking.
- 4 large eggs: The star partner, delivering a rich, tender contrast to the beef.
- 2 tablespoons milk or water: Makes the eggs extra fluffy and delicate.
- Salt to taste: Season carefully to balance the flavors.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, sharp pop of color and mild onion flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper in a medium bowl. The marinade not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it, guaranteeing a juicy, flavorful bite. Let the beef rest for at least 15 minutes so it soaks up all those wonderful tastes.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
While the beef marinates, whisk together the eggs, milk or water, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl until smooth and slightly frothy. This mixture will give your eggs a luxurious texture that’s soft yet structured enough to fold beautifully into the beef later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. The goal here is to get a lovely sear and cook the beef just through so it remains tender and juicy. Push the beef to one side of the pan, creating space for the eggs.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side of your pan. Let them sit untouched for about 30 seconds to start setting gently. Then, using a spatula, scramble the eggs softly and fold them into the beef. Cook just until the eggs are set but still moist and tender—this contrast makes the dish truly irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve your Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe piping hot, ideally on a bed of steamed rice to soak up every delicious bit.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with sliced green onions not only brightens the look but adds that instantly recognizable fresh bite. To elevate it further, you might sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or even garlic fried rice to complement its richness. For a light contrast, consider serving it alongside sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli, which add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the beef and eggs over warm steamed buns or wrapped inside lettuce leaves for a fun handheld option. You can also turn it into a hearty rice bowl topped with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of soy sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld even more, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While the eggs may slightly change texture upon freezing, the Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month if stored properly in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the eggs rubbery, but if you do use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely. While flank steak or sirloin works best for tenderness and quick cooking, you can also try ribeye or even ground beef if thinly sliced beef isn’t available, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Yes! Swap the beef with firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same sauce. The eggs provide protein and richness, making this a hearty option without meat.
How spicy is this dish normally?
This Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe is quite mild, focusing on savory and umami flavors. If you love heat, adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking can turn up the spice nicely.
Can I prepare the marinade and eggs in advance?
Definitely. You can marinate the beef for longer—for up to 2 hours in the fridge—and whisk the eggs right before cooking. Avoid mixing the eggs too far ahead to keep them fresh and fluffy.
What is the best type of pan to use?
A nonstick skillet or a wok works beautifully here. Nonstick pans prevent the eggs from sticking and allow easy folding, while a wok ensures high heat for quick stir-frying the beef.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe is like welcoming a burst of authentic flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and comforting, perfect for those moments when you want a quick yet satisfying meal. Once you try this dish, it might just become your new favorite weeknight staple—so go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A quick and savory Chinese stir-fry recipe featuring tender marinated beef and fluffy scrambled eggs, garnished with fresh green onions. This dish makes a satisfying high-protein meal perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water
- Salt to taste
For Cooking & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper. Stir well to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Eggs: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with milk or water and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy, ensuring fluffy scrambled eggs.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is just browned and cooked through, maintaining tenderness without overcooking.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the beef to one side of the pan, then pour the egg mixture into the empty space. Let the eggs sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds to begin setting, then gently scramble and fold them into the beef mixture until the eggs are just set but still tender.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with sliced green onions for freshness, and serve hot over steamed rice or enjoy on its own for a protein-rich meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, minced garlic, or chili flakes during the beef stir-fry step.
- To create a saucier dish, add 2 tablespoons of water or broth at the end of cooking and stir to combine.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple side of jasmine rice.
