Sha Cha Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sha Cha Beef is packed with bold, complex flavors from its signature sauce while being simple to prepare. It’s a fantastic stir-fry for busy weeknights because it cooks quickly, uses basic ingredients, and can be served with rice or noodles. If you’re looking to explore Chinese-style cooking at home with minimal effort but maximum flavor, this dish is for you.

Ingredients

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

• Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• Sha Cha sauce (Chinese BBQ sauce)
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce (optional for added umami)
• Cornstarch
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Onion, sliced
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• Salt
• White pepper
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of white pepper. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
6. Return the beef to the pan. Add Sha Cha sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to coat all ingredients.
7. Drizzle in sesame oil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
9. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian Sha Cha sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Add snow peas, baby corn, or broccoli for more color and texture.
• No Oyster Sauce: Use hoisin sauce or more soy sauce if you prefer or need a shellfish-free version.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust salt to taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the beef and vegetables may change.

FAQs

What is Sha Cha sauce?

Sha Cha sauce is a Chinese condiment made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chilies, and dried seafood. It’s often called Chinese BBQ sauce and has a savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.

Where can I buy Sha Cha sauce?

You can find it in Asian grocery stores or in the international aisle of some supermarkets. Look for brands like Bull Head.

Can I make this dish without Sha Cha sauce?

The sauce is essential for the unique flavor of this dish. If unavailable, a blend of hoisin, soy, garlic, and chili paste can be used as a substitute.

What cut of beef is best?

Flank steak or sirloin works well. Slice thinly across the grain for tender results.

How do I slice beef thinly for stir-fry?

Partially freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly and evenly.

Is Sha Cha Beef spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level. You can increase or decrease the heat based on the brand of sauce and added ingredients.

Can I add noodles to this dish?

Yes, cooked lo mein or rice noodles make a great base or addition to the stir-fry.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Sha Cha and soy sauces often contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free versions to make this dish gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in during the last minute of cooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a large enough wok or skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan so the beef sears properly.

Conclusion

Sha Cha Beef is a flavorful, quick-cooking stir-fry that brings the smoky, savory depth of Chinese BBQ sauce right to your dinner table. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and an irresistible sauce, it’s an easy way to enjoy takeout-style flavor at home. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Sha Cha Beef

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Sha Cha Beef is a savory Chinese stir-fry dish made with thinly sliced beef and vegetables tossed in a bold and smoky Chinese BBQ-style sauce called Sha Cha sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner served over rice or noodles.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Sha Cha sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• Salt, to taste
• White pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and white pepper. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
6. Return beef to the pan. Add Sha Cha sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir to coat evenly.
7. Drizzle in sesame oil. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.
8. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
9. Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Partially freeze the beef for easier slicing.
• Sha Cha sauce is available at Asian markets—Bull Head brand is a popular choice.
• Add snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without rice)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg