Chinese Beef On A Stick

Name: Chinese Beef On A Stick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound sirloin beef (or top blade roast); 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Chinese cooking wine (or water); 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Olivia Morgan

May 31, 2025

0 0

3,296

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chinese Beef On A Stick: Irresistibly Tender Asian-Inspired Skewers

There’s something utterly irresistible about Chinese Beef On A Stick that makes everyone reach for seconds! These tender, juicy beef skewers are marinated in a mouthwatering blend of hoisin, soy, and five-spice that creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Each bite delivers an authentic taste of Asian-inspired street food right in your own kitchen! #BeefSkewers #AsianCuisine

What makes these skewers truly special is how the marinade transforms even inexpensive cuts of beef into remarkably tender morsels with deeply developed flavors. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or as the star of a weeknight dinner, these portable, protein-packed skewers are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Perfect for entertaining or family dinners, these Chinese Beef On A Stick skewers require minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor impact. The secret lies in the marinating process that does all the heavy lifting for you!

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation with most time spent marinating, leaving you free to enjoy other activities
Family-friendly recipe that kids and adults alike adore
Versatile cooking methods including broiling or air-frying
Impressive presentation with beautifully skewered beef
Delicious as leftovers, enjoyed either cold or reheated

Ingredients for Chinese Beef On A Stick

These Chinese Beef On A Stick skewers use simple pantry staples to create complex, authentic flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound sirloin beef (or an inexpensive cut like top blade roast)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon Chinese cooking wine (or water)
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chinese Beef On A Stick is surprisingly simple! The secret lies in the marinating time, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with incredible flavor:

Step 1

Chop the beef into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re roughly equal in size for even cooking.
Step 2

Add the beef to a large plastic bag and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin for a few minutes to tenderize it. This step helps break down tough muscle fibers.
Step 3

Combine the rest of the ingredients (hoisin sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, Chinese cooking wine, five-spice powder, and baking soda) in a small bowl. Mix well until sugar is dissolved and cornstarch is fully incorporated.
Step 4

Pour the marinade into the plastic bag with the beef. Mix the meat with your hands, ensuring each piece is well coated, then seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but ideally 24 hours for maximum flavor development.
Step 5

When ready to cook, skewer the beef pieces onto your preferred skewers. Make sure they are not too tightly packed – leave about 1/4 inch of space between each piece of beef to ensure even cooking.

Cooking Methods

Broiling Method

Preheat your broiler to 500°F and set the rack on the upper-middle position. Line the bottom of a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place the rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack and brush the tops with oil. Broil for 5-7 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked to your desired doneness.
Air Fryer Method

Preheat your air-fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with oil. Place the skewers inside (you may need to trim the ends with scissors if they don’t fit). Spray with oil and air-fry for 5 minutes on each side until nicely charred and cooked to your desired doneness.

Tools You’ll Need:

•Sharp chef’s knife
•Meat mallet or rolling pin
•Large plastic bag for marinating
•Wooden or metal skewers
•Baking pan with rack or air fryer

How to Serve Chinese Beef On A Stick

These delicious Chinese Beef On A Stick skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a complete meal experience, consider these serving suggestions:

Serve hot, straight from the broiler or air fryer for the best flavor and texture
Pair with fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce
Serve alongside vegetable fried rice for a restaurant-style meal
Add a fresh Asian-inspired salad with crisp vegetables and a sesame dressing
Offer sweet and sour sauce or spicy dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for visual appeal

Storage & Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your Chinese Beef On A Stick:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the texture may not be as ideal.
Cold enjoyment: These skewers are actually delicious cold straight from the refrigerator—perfect for a protein-packed snack!
Freezing: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing the cooked skewers as the texture of the beef may change.

Recipe Notes:

✓Marinate the beef for a full 24 hours whenever possible for the deepest flavor development and most tender texture.
✓Cut beef cubes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking throughout.
✓If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
✓Don’t skip the baking soda in the marinade—it’s the secret to achieving that restaurant-quality tenderness!

Recipe Variations

Chinese Beef On A Stick is wonderfully adaptable to suit different preferences and dietary needs:

Spicy Version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or chili oil to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the marinade for extra flavor depth.
Fresh Ginger Twist: Include 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for a zingy flavor profile.
Honey Sweetened: Replace the sugar with honey for a more complex sweetness.
Sesame Addition: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the marinade and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Absolutely! This marinade works beautifully with chicken thighs or pork shoulder, both cut into 1-inch cubes. Adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken will cook faster than beef, while pork may take slightly longer depending on the cut.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make these Chinese Beef On A Stick skewers gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Also ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free versions, as traditional varieties often contain wheat.

Can I grill these outdoors?

Definitely! These beef skewers are perfect for outdoor grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F), lightly oil the grates, and grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until you achieve nice grill marks and your desired level of doneness.

Can I freeze the marinated beef?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated beef for up to 3 months. Place the meat and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze flat. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with skewering and cooking. This is a great prep-ahead strategy!

What sides pair well with this dish?

These Chinese Beef On A Stick skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides including steamed jasmine rice, vegetable stir-fry, cucumber salad, garlic green beans, or Asian-style coleslaw. For a complete buffet-style meal, serve alongside vegetable spring rolls and dumplings.

Personal Cook’s Note

I love making Chinese Beef On A Stick for gatherings. The aroma of beef grilling fills the air, and it always makes my friends and family excited for dinner. I remember the first time I made this. My kids were amazed at how fun skewered beef tasted! It’s a big hit in our house, and I always encourage guests to try them with different dipping sauces. I find that adding just a touch more five-spice powder than the recipe calls for gives these skewers an extra dimension of flavor that makes them truly unforgettable. I would love to hear your experience with this recipe; please share in the comments below what flavors you enjoyed!