Name: Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp Sha Cha sauce; 2 tbsp Sha Cha sauce (Chinese satay sauce); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp oil for frying; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 green onions, chopped

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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, irresistible flavors yet comes together in minutes, you’ve got to try this Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe. Tender slices of beef soaked in a rich, fragrant Sha Cha sauce mingle with garlic and fresh green onions, creating a perfect harmony of savory and slightly spicy notes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a spontaneous dinner craving, this stir-fry is your ticket to authentic Chinese comfort food that’s as quick to prepare as it is delicious to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl at the bottom right filled with thin slices of raw red meat sprinkled with white powder on top. Above the bowl, there is a white bowl filled with green chopped scallions, showing a mix of light and dark green colors. To the bottom left, a small metal bowl holds minced yellow ginger and sliced white garlic cloves. Below the metal bowl, there is a small silver can with a label written in Asian characters and the words

These ingredients are both simple and essential, each playing a crucial role in bringing this Sha Cha Beef to life. From the tender flank steak that provides a luscious texture to the unique Sha Cha sauce delivering a punch of umami, every item adds to the vibrant taste and inviting appearance of this dish.

1 lb flank steak, sliced thin: Thin slicing ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
2 tbsp Sha Cha sauce (Chinese satay sauce): The star ingredient with deep, savory, slightly spicy flavors.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the marinade.
1 tbsp oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and enriches the sauce.
1 tsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and tenderize the beef.
2 tbsp oil for frying: Necessary for achieving a perfect sear on the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic punch that complements the Sha Cha sauce.
2 green onions, chopped: Gives a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color.

How to Make Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Begin by marinating your thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of Sha Cha sauce. Letting it rest for 15 minutes allows the beef to soak in the flavors and become beautifully tender. This step is the secret to that perfectly infused taste each bite promises.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot wok or skillet. Once shimmering, toss in the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch the beef closely—it should brown quickly, locking in juices while developing that irresistible caramelized flavor on its edges. This quick cooking prevents toughness and sets the stage for the sauce to shine.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Sauces

After browning the beef, add the minced garlic along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Sha Cha sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir everything rapidly to coat the beef evenly, letting the garlic’s scent fill your kitchen. This final step builds layers of flavor, turning simple ingredients into a rich, savory masterpiece.

Step 4: Garnish with Fresh Green Onions

Once everything is glossy and heated through, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. Their bright crunch adds a lovely contrast both in texture and color, giving the dish a fresh, inviting finish that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with a dish of meat covered in a shiny brown sauce. The meat pieces are thick and laid on a bed of stir-fried green beans and onion slices, which have a soft texture and pale color. The sauce coats the meat and vegetables evenly, giving a rich look. A woman's hand is holding a pair of wooden chopsticks picking up a piece of meat. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions are the classic garnish, but feel free to add toasted sesame seeds for a nutty touch or thin slices of red chili for some extra heat. These small additions amplify the dish’s eye appeal and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This Sha Cha Beef pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or silky noodles, which soak up the luscious, savory sauce perfectly. For a healthier twist, steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy create a lovely balance of flavors and textures that round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the stir-fry atop lettuce cups for a light, refreshing handheld option. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts to invoke a richer satay-inspired experience, adding an unexpected crunch that makes the dish even more unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sha Cha Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigeration to keep the flavors vibrant and the texture tender.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Place portions in airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again without losing any of its savory goodness.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the Sha Cha Beef gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the beef. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s luscious consistency. Microwave reheating works too but cover it closely to keep moisture in.

FAQs

What is Sha Cha sauce?

Sha Cha sauce, also known as Chinese satay sauce, is a savory, aromatic paste made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chili, and dried seafood. It’s commonly used in Chinese cooking to add depth and a slightly spicy, umami-packed flavor to stir-fries and hot pots.

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak can work well when sliced thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the Sha Cha sauce brand and amount used. This recipe is moderately spicy, but you can adjust by adding more or less Sha Cha sauce or tossing in fresh chilies to suit your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on the soy sauce and oyster sauce brands since many contain wheat. You can substitute gluten-free tamari for soy sauce and look for gluten-free oyster sauce to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I add vegetables to the stir-fry?

Yes! Adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last minute or two of cooking keeps the vegetables crisp and colorful without compromising the quick-cook method that preserves the beef’s tenderness.

Final Thoughts

This Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe is a real gem for anyone who loves big flavors and easy preparation. Its perfect balance of tender beef, robust sauce, and fresh aromatics makes it a dish you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try tonight and watch it become one of your favorite quick meals that feels anything but ordinary.

Chef MARTHA

Sha Cha Beef: A Quick and Savory Chinese Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need