Introduction:
Chinese-style tender beef is a classic dish that features thinly sliced beef cooked in a flavorful sauce, often accompanied by vegetables.
The key to making this dish a success is ensuring the beef remains tender and juicy, which is typically achieved through techniques like marinating and quick stir-frying.
This dish is packed with umami and savory flavors, making it a great choice for dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1-inch ginger (minced)
1 small onion (sliced)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 cup broccoli florets (optional)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine (or dry sherry), 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes for best results.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce (if using), and a teaspoon of sugar (if desired). Stir until well combined. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, and onion for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper (and broccoli, if using) and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet. Add the prepared sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the beef is coated with the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Description:
This Chinese-style tender beef recipe features tender, flavorful beef paired with a savory sauce and colorful vegetables. The thinly sliced beef is marinated to ensure it’s soft and juicy, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a rich umami profile, making this dish irresistible. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s both satisfying and packed with authentic Chinese flavors.
Tips:
Tenderizing Beef: To ensure the beef is tender, always slice it thinly against the grain. You can also lightly pound it with a meat mallet before marinating for an even more tender texture.
Quick Cooking: Chinese stir-fry is all about high heat and quick cooking, so make sure to prep all your ingredients ahead of time.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms based on what you have available.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce before combining it with the beef.
Variations:
Spicy Beef: Add some chili paste or fresh red chilies to the stir-fry to bring some heat to the dish.
Beef and Black Bean Sauce: Replace the oyster sauce with fermented black bean sauce for a more savory, earthy flavor.
Beef with Bamboo Shoots: Add bamboo shoots for extra crunch and texture, a common addition in Chinese stir-fries.
Corrections:
If your beef is too tough, make sure you’re slicing against the grain and using a tender cut of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin. Marinating the beef properly is also essential for achieving the desired tenderness.
For a more authentic taste, adjust the amount of soy sauce to your preference, as some brands can be saltier than others.
Enjoy! Enjoy this delicious, tender Chinese-style beef served over steamed rice or noodles. It’s sure to impress family and friends with its savory flavors and tender texture!