Can I use cucumber for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cucumber. Zucchini is commonly known as 翠肉瓜 or 意大利青瓜 in Chinese.

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes. Choose a tender cut suitable for quick stir-frying and slice it thinly against the grain.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

It is best served immediately. Zucchini releases water as it sits, so the texture is best when freshly cooked.

Beef Stir-Fry with Zucchini & Onion - Spoon and Story Kitchen

Name: Beef Stir-Fry with Zucchini & Onion
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 300 g Beef, Thinly sliced; 1 Medium Zucchini; 1 Medium Onion; 2 Cloves Garlic; 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil; 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 Tsp Sugar; 1 Tsp Cornstarch; 1 Tbsp Water; 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce; 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 Tsp Sugar; 2 Tbsp Water; 1/2 Tsp Sesame Oil

Steps

Marinate the Beef

Place the sliced beef in a bowl. Add soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and cooking oil. Mix well and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the zucchini and onion. Mince the garlic.

Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high to high heat. Add a little oil and stir-fry the beef quickly until about 80% cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Cook the Onion and Add the Zucchini

Add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic until fragrant, then add the onion. Cook until the onion starts to soften.

Add the zucchini and stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes. Keep the zucchini slightly crisp rather than cooking it until very soft.

Bring Everything Together

Return the beef to the wok. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir-fry quickly until the beef is fully cooked and everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Cooking Tips 烹飪技巧

Slice the beef against the grain for a more tender texture.
Cornstarch helps the beef stay tender and gives it a lovely texture.
Avoid overcooking the zucchini. A little crunch gives the dish a better texture.
Stir-fry the beef separately first to avoid overcooking it.
Serve with steamed rice to soak up the savory sauce.

Beef Stir-Fry with Zucchini & Onion