Chinese Beef & Celery Stir Fry
Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Chinese Beef & Celery Stir Fry is a simple Asian-inspired recipe made with tender marinated beef, crisp celery, fresh garlic, and savory seasonings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with protein, rich in fiber, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or kimchi. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Follow the step-by-step recipe below and watch the video to see exactly how I make this Beef & Celery Stir Fry
Chinese Beef & Celery Stir Fry (Easy, Healthy & High Protein)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the rice 3–4 times with warm water until the water becomes almost clear.
- Cook the rice according to your preferred method or follow the stovetop instructions below.
- Slice the beef into thin strips about 1–1½ inches (2.5–4 cm) wide.
- Combine the beef with the cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate while preparing the vegetables.
- Cut the celery into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces and finely mince the garlic.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the beef until it's almost fully cooked.
- Add one-third of the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the celery and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, chili (if using), soy sauce, and the remaining garlic. Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately with steamed rice. Kimchi makes an excellent side dish.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥩 High in protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- 🥬 Loaded with fresh celery for extra fiber and crunch.
- ⏱️ Ready in just 35 minutes.
- 🍳 Simple ingredients you can find in almost any grocery store.
- 💪 Great for meal prep and healthy eating.
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- 🌶️ Easily adjust the spice level to your taste.
- 🍚 Delicious with rice, noodles, or kimchi.
🍚 How to Cook Rice Without a Rice Cooker
Cooking perfect rice on the stovetop is easier than you might think.
- Rinse the rice 3–4 times with warm water until the water runs almost clear.
- Transfer the rice to a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Add enough water so it sits about one finger joint (approximately ¾ inch / 2 cm) above the surface of the rice.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover with the lid.
- Cook for 35–40 minutes for brown rice or 15–18 minutes for white rice.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 10 minutes.
Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking, as this releases steam and can affect the final texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs are excellent substitutes.
What’s the best cut of beef?
Flank steak, sirloin, ribeye, or flat iron steak work best for stir-fries.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or your favorite hot sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe is perfect for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
What rice goes best with this dish?
Brown rice, jasmine rice, white rice, or even rice noodles all pair wonderfully.
What to Serve with Chinese Beef & Celery Stir Fry
This stir-fry is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- 🍚 Steamed jasmine rice
- 🌾 Brown rice
- 🍜 Rice noodles
- 🥬 Kimchi
- 🥒 Asian cucumber salad
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli
- 🥬 Stir-fried bok choy
- 🥟 Vegetable dumplings
- 🍵 A light bowl of miso soup
