Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, rice vinegar, baking soda, granulated sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This combination of ingredients serves two purposes: tenderizing the beef and infusing it with flavor. Once combined, add your sliced beef. Stir to coat each piece of meat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the beef absorbs.

Now, let’s move on to that mouthwatering sauce. In a saucepan, combine dark brown sugar, water, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, combined cornstarch, oyster sauce, and chili paste. Bring this mix to a gentle boil, stirring steadily. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it thickens, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

In a skillet or wok, add a splash of oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan—this step is crucial to achieving that beautiful sear! Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want it browned but not cooked all the way through. Just enough to get a head start on flavor, you know?

Time to introduce our seafood star. Gently add shrimp to the beef and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. At this point, you’ll start smelling that irresistible aroma wafting through the kitchen. Trust me; it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste!

Now, take that glorious sauce you made earlier and pour it over the beef and shrimp. Stir to combine everything, ensuring that all components get some of that lovely sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Letting the ingredients mingle and absorb flavors brings this dish to life.

Finally, scoop your stir-fry onto a platter. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that polished touch. Serve it on a bed of rice or with your favorite side. I guarantee it’s going to be a hit!