Shaking Beef

A Vietnamese comfort food staple featuring tender steak cubes seared quickly with garlic and sauces, creating a rich flavor and satisfying texture.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 1

Servings: 3 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Beef and Marinade Ingredients

250 g steak, cut into ¾" cubes Choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor.
1 Tbsp oyster sauce Look for high-quality brands like Lee Kum Kee.
½ Tbsp soy sauce Tamari can be used for gluten-free options.
½ Tbsp fish sauce Adds a beautiful depth, try Red Boat brand.
½ tsp black soy sauce For color and sweetness.
1 clove garlic, grated Fresh is best!
1 tsp sugar Balances the savory flavors.
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp cooking oil Use high smoke point oils like canola or vegetable oil.

Vegetables and Accents

A handful cherry tomatoes, pierced with a knife Adds bright color and sweetness or julienned bell peppers.
as needed pickled red onion or any pickle of your choice Optional but highly recommended for that tangy crunch.
as needed salad greens for serving Adds freshness to the dish.

Method

Marination

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and grated garlic. Toss to mix well and marinate for about 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate the beef for up to 2 hours.

Cooking

After marinating, add the cooking oil to coat the beef cubes evenly.
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, then add a splash of oil. You’ll see a shimmer on the surface of the pan.
Place the beef cubes in a single layer in the pan and sear without moving them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until browned.
Gently shake the pan to release the beef and toss to flip. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear!
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them sear for another 20 seconds.
Continue cooking until the beef reaches your desired doneness, usually around 2-3 minutes for medium. Remove from the pan immediately to avoid overcooking.

Serving

Serve with pickled onions and salad greens for a fresh crunch.

Notes

Shaking Beef is ideal for meal prep; it stores beautifully in the fridge and makes for fantastic leftovers. Just reheat and serve over rice or salad greens for a quick meal any day of the week.