📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. This step is crucial for tenderness! Think about it like slicing bread – against the grain ensures each bite is easier to chew. You got this!
2. Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Longer marinating (up to 30 minutes) will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
3. Prep the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, prepare the vegetables. Peel and mince the ginger and garlic. Slice the onion into thin wedges and the carrots into matchsticks. Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
4. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor!), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil. Set aside.
5. Heat the Wok: Heat your wok or a large skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot. This is key to getting that wok hei—that slightly charred, smoky flavor that makes stir-fries so irresistible.
6. Stir-Fry the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot wok. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
7. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
8. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
9. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Stir in the green onions. Serve the beef stir-fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!