Chinese Beef
A savory Chinese-inspired beef and vegetable stir-fry served over fluffy rice, featuring tender beef, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh snow peas for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice, cooked ⓘ
- 2 onions, cut up and sauteed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 box snow pea pods (frozen), thawed
- 2 cups brown rice, cooked ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 3/4 pound round steak, cooked and cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can bean sprouts ⓘ
- soy sauce to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and chopped garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked and sliced beef, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and snow pea pods to the skillet.
- Mix in ground ginger and beef bouillon, then add soy sauce to taste.
- Heat the mixture until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the beef and vegetable mixture over cooked white or brown rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef strips in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. You can substitute round steak with flank steak for a leaner option. If you don’t have water chestnuts, sliced bell peppers can add a similar crunch. For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of chili sauce. Explore other delicious beef recipes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak in. It pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if it seems dry. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain the quality of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Beef contains roughly 1294 calories, with 63g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), protein (125% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2835mg per serving (123% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so add them according to how long they take to soften.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! You can add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the beef and vegetable mixture while cooking. Alternatively, serve with a side of chili oil for those who like to customize their spice level.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store it separately from the rice. When ready to serve, simply reheat and serve over freshly cooked rice for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).