Name: Sha Cha Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons Sha Cha sauce (Chinese barbecue sauce) 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 teaspoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 small onion, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 cup broccoli florets 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1/4 cup water or beef broth Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Complex Flavor: Sha Cha sauce offers a unique, savory taste with hints of spice and sweetness.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy nights.
Tender Beef and Crunchy Veggies: Perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Sha Cha sauce (Chinese barbecue sauce)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 cup water or beef broth
Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

Marinate Beef: In a bowl, mix beef slices with 1 tablespoon Sha Cha sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare Vegetables: Have garlic, onion, bell pepper, broccoli, and ginger ready.
Cook Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry beef until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
Cook Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, onion, bell pepper, and broccoli until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine and Sauce: Return beef to the pan. Add remaining Sha Cha sauce and water or broth. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with tofu or seitan.
Extra Veggies: Add snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
Spicy: Add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers for heat.
Noodle Bowl: Serve over stir-fried noodles instead of rice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What is Sha Cha sauce?

Sha Cha sauce is a savory Chinese barbecue sauce made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilies, and dried shrimp.

Where can I buy Sha Cha sauce?

It’s available at Asian grocery stores or online.

Can I use other beef cuts?

Yes, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak all work well when sliced thin.

How do I slice beef thinly?

Freeze beef slightly for 20 minutes before slicing for easier, thin cuts.

Can I prepare this dish ahead?

Yes, marinate beef in advance and cook when ready.

Is this dish spicy?

Sha Cha sauce has mild spice; add extra chili for more heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

What sides go well?

Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Cornstarch in the marinade and cooking sauce helps thicken it.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is possible but may affect vegetable texture.

Conclusion

Sha Cha Beef is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings authentic Chinese flavors to your home kitchen. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a unique savory sauce, it’s a perfect meal to enjoy any night of the week.