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Close-up of savory Chinese garlic beef stir-fry coated in a glossy dark sauce, mixed with whole garlic cloves and green onions served over white rice

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
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course main course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 423 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Beef Marinade

  • 1 lb beef 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 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

Instructions
 

Marinating the Beef

  • 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.

Frying the Garlic

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  • Add the whole garlic cloves
  • Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
  • Remove the garlic from the pan and set aside.

Stir Frying the Beef

  • 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.

Adding the Fried Garlic Back

  • Return the fried garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
    • Meaningful Masala Tips:
    Why Stir-Fry Over High Heat?
    Quick searing: Creates a flavorful, browned exterior.
    Prevents steaming: Allows excess moisture to evaporate quickly.
    Better texture: Keeps the beef tender rather than tough and chewy.
    Rich flavor: High heat promotes browning (the Maillard reaction), giving the beef a deeper, more savory flavor.

Notes

Meaningful Masala Notes:
Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot with plain rice, pasta or salad

Nutrition

Calories: 423kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 21gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 704mgPotassium: 390mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 3mg
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