If you’ve ever craved an easy Chinese beef recipe that’s rich, savory, and packed with deep umami flavors, let me introduce you to Shacha Beef Stir Fry. This dish is a staple in Fujian and Guangdong provinces, where Shacha sauce—often called China’s BBQ sauce—adds a smoky, nutty depth that makes every bite unforgettable.

In my home, this authentic Chinese beef recipe is a weeknight favorite. The tender beef, infused with garlic and a hint of sweetness, pairs beautifully with water spinach, bringing a refreshing balance to the dish.

Let me show you how to make Chinese beef stir fry with just a handful of ingredients!

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Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fried Chinese Beef Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Just 10 minutes of cooking time, perfect for busy days
• Authentic and Flavorful – Straight from the kitchens of Southern China
• Savory and Satisfying – Shacha sauce gives it that signature umami depth
• Nutritious – High in protein and fiber, with a fresh, leafy crunch
• Customizable – Swap water spinach for bok choy, morning glory, or scallions

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What is Shacha Sauce?

Shacha sauce (沙茶酱 shā chá jiàng) is the key ingredient in this Chinese beef stir fry with sauce. Made from garlic, shallots, dried shrimp, peanuts, chilies, and soy sauce, it brings an irresistible savory-sweet-spicy balance to stir-fried dishes.

Often compared to a Chinese BBQ sauce, Shacha sauce is commonly used as a hotpot dipping sauce in Northern China, but in the southern coastal regions, it takes center stage in dishes like this Shacha sauce beef stir fry.

If you’ve never cooked with Shacha sauce before, this is the perfect dish to start with!

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A Nourishing and Savory Chinese Beef Recipe

Beef

• Packed with high-quality protein, iron, and essential B vitamins
• Keeps you energized and satisfied

Water Spinach (Kōng Xīn Cài 空心菜)

• Loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber
• Supports digestion and overall health

Garlic

• Naturally anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy
• Adds an aromatic depth to this Chinese-style beef cooking

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Ingredients for This Homemade Chinese Beef Recipe

Ingredient	Amount
Beef (with some marbling)	225g
Water spinach (or substitute)	150-200g
Garlic	5 cloves
Ground black pepper	½ tsp
Shaoxing wine (or Mirin)	1 tsp
Sugar	½ tsp
Cornstarch	1 tbsp
Light soy sauce	1 tbsp
Shacha sauce	2 tsp
Cooking oil	1 tbsp
Salt	To taste

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How to Make Chinese Beef Stir Fry with Sauce

1. Prep the Beef

• Slice the beef thinly for a tender bite
• In a bowl, mix beef with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and a bit of oil
• Let it marinate for 30 minutes—this makes the beef extra juicy!

2. Prep the Vegetables

• Mince the garlic
• Wash and cut the water spinach into three sections (two parts stem, one part leaves)

3. Sauté the Shacha Sauce

• Heat cooking oil in a wok
• Add Shacha sauce and stir gently on low heat for about 30 seconds
• Toss in the garlic and stir for another minute

4. Stir-Fry the Beef

• Turn the heat to high and add the marinated beef
• Let it sear briefly before stir-frying until browned

5. Add the Greens

• Once the beef is browned, add sugar and the water spinach stems
• Stir-fry until the stems soften slightly
• Add the leaves and cook just until they wilt

6. Final Touches

• Sprinkle in salt to taste, give it all one last toss, and serve hot

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Customize Your Chinese Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

• Love spice? Add fresh chilies or a drizzle of chili oil
• Different beef cuts? Try flank steak or ribeye for extra tenderness
• No water spinach? Bok choy, morning glory, or spinach work beautifully
• Want a full meal? Serve it over steamed jasmine rice

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Why This is the Best Chinese Beef Recipe

• The marinade makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful
• Shacha sauce adds a smoky, nutty depth that’s hard to resist
• Water spinach brings a light, refreshing crunch to balance the dish
• Quick and easy, making it a perfect homemade Chinese beef recipe

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What to Serve with Shacha Beef

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up all the rich, umami sauce
• Chinese Cucumber Salad – Cool and crunchy, the perfect contrast
• Egg Drop Soup – A light, comforting side to round out the meal

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Pro Tips for Perfect Stir-Fried Chinese Beef Recipe

• Marinate the beef – This ensures deep flavor and tenderness
• Use high heat – A hot wok keeps the beef juicy and caramelized
• Cook the beef first – Then add the veggies for the best texture
• Don’t overcook – Quick cooking lets the Shacha sauce shine

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More Authentic Chinese Beef Recipes to Try

• Yuxiang Pork Stir Fry – A fragrant, spicy Sichuan classic
• Chicken and Zucchini Stir Fry – A light, gingery stir-fry
• Yellow Zucchini and Pork Belly Stir Fry – A delicious way to enjoy pork belly
• Authentic Kung Pao Chicken – A bold and spicy classic

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Final Thoughts: Try This Shacha Sauce Beef Stir Fry Tonight!

Shacha Beef Stir Fry is one of those dishes that feels like home—savory, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting your journey with Chinese-style beef cooking, this dish is a simple way to bring authentic flavors to your kitchen.

Try it today and let me know how your Shacha sauce beef stir fry turns out!