Chinese-style Tender Beef is a flavorful dish featuring thin, marinated beef stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce.
The key to its tenderness is the “velveting” technique, which ensures the beef is soft and juicy.
Perfect over rice or noodles, it’s a quick and delicious meal packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
450g of thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak (1 lb)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
3 cloves minced garlic
1-inch piece minced ginger
Bell pepper, sliced (one)
Onion, sliced (one)
Green onions, chopped (two)
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper
PREPARATION:
Marinate the Beef
Combine beef slices, soy sauce, oyster sauce and corn starch in a bowl.
Stir in a proper manner and permit to marinate, for exactly fifteen minutes.
Prepare the Stir-fry
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat (1 tablespoon).
Stir-fry until browned and cooked through with the marinated beef (about 3-4 minutes).
Take out beef from wok.
In that same wok, add one more tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Stir-fry garlic and ginger until they become fragrant (approx. 30 seconds).
Stir-fry bell pepper and onion for about 2-3 minutes till they begin to soften.
Bring back beef into the wok; add sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Ensure you stir everything together well.
Cook for an additional two minutes, until all is evenly covered and heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve hot alongside rice or noodles. A side of steamed vegetables goes great with this dish.
Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat on medium heat in pan until warmed through.
Tips for Success
Beef Slicing: Cut the beef into thin slices that are tender.
Marinating: Do not skip the marinating phase, it aids in softening up the meat and adding flavor to it.
High Heat: Cooking on high heat will make sure that the beef gets seared and remains tender.
Health Benefits
Protein: Beef is a great source of high-quality proteins which are necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: For instance, beef offers nutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins.
Vegetables: The inclusion of bell peppers and onions increases fiber content, vitamins as well antioxidants for this food stuff.
Here are some variations and tips for making Chinese-style Tender Beef:
Variations:
Protein Substitutes: Use chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Vegetables: Try adding snow peas, carrots, bok choy, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture and flavor variety.
Sauce Options: Experiment with different sauces like hoisin, oyster sauce, or black bean sauce to change the flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add dried chili peppers or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Ginger-Garlic Flavor: Enhance the dish by adding fresh ginger and garlic for extra aroma and depth.
Sweet and Sour: Mix in a splash of rice vinegar and a bit of sugar or honey for a sweet and sour twist.
Tips:
Velveting Technique: Marinate the beef with cornstarch and a little oil to achieve that tender, restaurant-style texture.
Thin Slices: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and faster cooking.
High Heat: Stir-fry over high heat for a quick sear, ensuring the beef stays juicy and doesn’t overcook.
Batch Cooking: Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps the meat brown properly.
Serve Fresh: Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor, as the beef may become chewy if reheated multiple times.
These variations and tips will help you customize your Chinese-style Tender Beef and perfect its taste and texture!
Here’s how to properly store Chinese-style Tender Beef:
Refrigerator Storage:
Shelf Life: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Container: Store the beef in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
If reheating on the stovetop, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out.
Freezer Storage:
Shelf Life: You can freeze the cooked beef for up to 3 months.
Freezing Method: Allow the beef to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bag.
Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop.
Tips for Storing:
Separate Storage: If served with rice or noodles, store them separately from the beef to keep their texture intact when reheating.
Stir Fry Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to consume stir-fried beef fresh, as reheating can slightly affect its tenderness.
Here’s the approximate nutritional information for one serving (about 1 cup) of Chinese-style Tender Beef:
Calories: 250-350 kcal
Protein: 25-30g
Fat: 10-15g
Saturated Fat: 2-4g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Sugars: 3-6g
Fiber: 1-2g
Cholesterol: 60-90mg
Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on the sauces used)
Key Nutritional Points:
Calories: Primarily from the beef and sauce ingredients.
Protein: High in protein due to the beef, making it a filling meal.
Fat: Mostly from the beef and any oil used in stir-frying. For a lighter version, use lean cuts of beef and reduce oil.
Carbohydrates: Typically low, unless served with rice or noodles. The sugars come from the sauce, especially if it includes hoisin or oyster sauce.
Sodium: Can be high depending on soy sauce or other salty condiments. Using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the salt content.
This nutritional profile can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Enjoy!