Chinese Garlic Beef Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, this Chinese Garlic Beef Stir Fry is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Tender beef is stir-fried with whole garlic cloves in a rich, savory sauce, creating a restaurant-style meal that’s ready in 13 minutes.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Beef is naturally rich in protein, making this dish both flavorful and satisfying.

Want to learn more about protein? Read our article to discover why it’s an important part of a balanced diet.

Serve this garlic beef stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, or pair it with your favorite vegetables.

If you enjoyed this Chinese Garlic Beef recipe, there are plenty of other beef dishes to explore for your next homemade meal. Try the sweet and savory flavors of beef bulgogi, warm up with a comforting bowl of Instant Pot beef stew, or make restaurant-style mongolian beef , crispy outside, juicy inside for a tasty and flavorful dinner.

Chinese Garlic Beef Stir Fry

Tender cubes of ribeye beef are marinated with soy sauce and black pepper, then stir-fried over high heat with crispy golden garlic in a rich savory sauce. This quick and flavorful Chinese Garlic Beef is perfect for a restaurant-style dinner at home and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or pasta.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Stir fry time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course main course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Marinade

• 450 g ribeye beef cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

For Stir Fry

• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• 20 garlic cloves peeled
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

To Serve

• Steamed or boiled rice

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine the ribeye beef, olive oil, soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix until the beef is evenly coated. For extra flavor, marinate for 10 minutes if desired.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
• Add the whole garlic cloves and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
• Remove the garlic from the pan and set aside.
• Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the pan.
• Stir-fry the beef for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides.
• Add the sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef.
• Return the fried garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
• Serve immediately with hot steamed or boiled rice.
Ribeye provides the best tenderness, but sirloin or flank steak can also be used.
Marinating the beef for 10–20 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
Cook over high heat to achieve a delicious seared exterior while keeping the beef juicy.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Garnish with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.