If you love dishes that come together quickly yet deliver a perfect balance of savory flavors and satisfying textures, this Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. Tender slices of marinated beef mingle beautifully with fluffy scrambled eggs in a simple stir-fry that’s both comforting and delightfully rich. It’s a classic combination that showcases how a few wholesome ingredients can create a wholesome meal bursting with depth and character. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a speedy weekday lunch, this recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe a success. Each component plays a crucial role, from tender beef that brings protein and mouthfeel to eggs that add creaminess and a luscious texture, all enhanced by complementary seasonings.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing a tender cut sliced against the grain ensures every bite is juicy and easy to chew.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth classic in Chinese cooking.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a rich, slightly sweet complexity and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Injects a subtle nutty aroma to elevate the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps the marinade cling to the beef, giving it a lovely glaze and tenderness.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Offers a gentle heat with a mild, earthy note.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying to get that slight crispness without overpowering flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Create the soft, fluffy texture that contrasts with the beef.
- 2 tablespoons milk or water: Mixed with eggs for a silkier scrambled texture.
- Salt to taste: To ensure your eggs and beef are perfectly seasoned.
- 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper in a medium bowl. Give everything a gentle toss until each piece is evenly coated. Setting this aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes lets the flavors deeply infuse the meat, making each bite tender and savory.
Step 2: Prepare the Eggs
While the beef marinates, grab another bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk or water, and a pinch of salt. The small addition of liquid helps loosen the eggs, creating a silkier and creamier scramble that will beautifully complement the beef’s texture.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface. Toss in the marinated beef, spreading it out to ensure even contact with the pan. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is just browned and cooked through — this quick sear locks in juiciness while giving the beef some flavorful edges.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs with the Beef
Push the beef gently to one side of the pan, making some space for the eggs. Pour in the whisked eggs and let them sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds to start setting. Then, gently scramble the eggs, folding them into the beef just until they are softly set. This technique creates a wonderfully cohesive dish where silky eggs wrap around tender beef pieces.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions are a classic choice for garnishing this dish, lending crispness and a mild bite. For an extra punch, you could sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro to complement the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of sauce and flavor. For a vibrant contrast, toss together a quick cucumber salad or serve with lightly stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli to add freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a different twist, try serving the beef and eggs over a bed of fluffy fried rice or wrapped in a warm lettuce cup for a refreshing handheld meal. You could even use the dish as a filling for savory Chinese pancakes for an exciting street-food vibe at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the beef tender and the eggs moist without drying out or losing flavor.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy the dish fresh as the texture of eggs can change upon thawing. If needed, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep everything moist and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use ribeye or even skirt steak as long as they are sliced thinly and against the grain for the best texture.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t available, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or an extra splash of soy sauce mixed with a touch of sugar to mimic the sweetness and depth it provides.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or with other proteins?
You can swap out the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and omit the oyster sauce or replace it with a vegetarian mushroom sauce for a delicious vegetarian variation that still captures that umami punch.
How do I get fluffy eggs without overcooking them?
Whisking eggs with a bit of milk or water and cooking them on medium-high heat just until they set while gently folding ensures the eggs stay soft and fluffy without turning rubbery.
Is this recipe spicy?
The basic Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of chili oil during cooking for a nice kick if you enjoy some heat in your meals.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Chinese Beef and Eggs Recipe feels like passing on a beloved secret to a good friend. It’s an effortless dish full of rich flavors and comforting textures that never fails to impress. Give it a try the next time you want a quick, nourishing meal that tastes like it took hours to make—you’ll be delighted to have this recipe in your kitchen rotation!
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
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Eggs stir-fry featuring tender marinated beef slices combined with fluffy scrambled eggs, garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect as a high-protein main dish, served over steamed rice or enjoyed on its own.
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
Other Ingredients
- 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 all pieces evenly and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or water, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy for fluffy scrambled eggs.
- Heat the Pan and Cook the Beef: Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry briskly for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is just browned and cooked through, being careful not to overcook.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan, creating space for the eggs. Pour the egg mixture into the empty side and allow it to sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then gently scramble and fold the eggs into the beef until the eggs are just set and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, garnish the dish with the sliced green onions for a fresh bite, and serve hot. Enjoy over steamed rice or on its own as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, minced garlic, or chili flakes during the stir-fry step.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, stir in 2 tablespoons of water or broth at the end of cooking to loosen the mixture.
- Ensure the beef slices are thin and cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Whisking eggs thoroughly and adding milk or water helps make the scrambled eggs light and fluffy.
