Beef Stir Fry Marinade Recipe

The secret to tender, flavorful beef stir fry is in the marinade! This easy beef stir fry marinade helps tenderize the meat, lock in moisture, and add rich umami flavor — just like your favorite Chinese takeout (but even better at home!).

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak)
• 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or rice wine)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• (Optional) 1/8 tsp baking soda – for extra tenderizing

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Slice beef thinly against the grain (about ?...: Slice beef thinly against the grain (about ? inch thick). You can also cut into smaller strips if preferred.
2. 2Place beef in a mixing bowl or zip-top...: Place beef in a mixing bowl or zip-top bag.
3. 3Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or rice wine),...: Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or rice wine), cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar.
4. 4Optional: Add baking soda if you want extra...: Optional: Add baking soda if you want extra tender beef, and mix well until dissolved.
5. 5Toss or massage the beef until evenly coated...: Toss or massage the beef until evenly coated with the marinade.
6. 6Marinate for 30 minutes to up to overnight...: Marinate for 30 minutes to up to overnight (put in fridge).
7. 7Stir fry the beef over high heat until...: Stir fry the beef over high heat until browned and just cooked through.
8. 8If adding vegetables, remove the beef once cooked,...: If adding vegetables, remove the beef once cooked, stir fry the veggies separately, then combine.
9. 9If adding a stir fry sauce, pour it...: If adding a stir fry sauce, pour it in at the end and toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.