Beef Asian-style

Beef Asian-style Recipe - Flank Steak with Snow Peas and Oyster Sauce

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Beef Asian-style recipe is a delightful journey into the heart of Asian cuisine, offering a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. It's a simple yet sophisticated dish that showcases the beauty of using minimal ingredients to create a meal that's both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you through the process of making a delicious and authentic Asian-style beef dish that's sure to impress.

History

The origins of this Beef Asian-style recipe can be traced back to the diverse culinary traditions of Asia, where beef has been a staple ingredient for centuries. This particular recipe draws inspiration from Chinese cuisine, known for its emphasis on balance, color, and harmony in food. The use of ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger is characteristic of many Asian dishes, providing a unique combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Over time, this recipe has evolved, incorporating elements from various Asian cultures to create a dish that's both traditional and modern.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.25 lb (113 g) fresh snow peas
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp chinese rice wine or dry sherry
0.5 tsp sugar
2 tsp oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 tsp minced ginger

How to prepare

Mix the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce.
Trim the snow peas.
Blanch the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute until they turn bright green; drain and run them under cold water.
Combine the oyster sauce, sherry, and sugar.
Heat the oil in a wok.
Add the garlic and ginger.
Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the beef and stir-fry until it is browned.
Add the oyster sauce mixture.
Cook, stirring, until it begins to boil.
Add the snow peas and stir-fry for 30 seconds longer.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for beef for a different protein option.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for more variety and nutrition.
For a spicier version, include a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili sauce in the stir-fry.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Beef Asian-style turns out perfectly, consider the following tips and tricks:

- Slice the beef against the grain to ensure it's tender.

- Marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce to enhance flavor and texture.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to cook the beef quickly and retain its juiciness.

- Blanching the snow peas briefly keeps them vibrant and crisp.

- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more soy sauce or oyster sauce if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, ideal for quickly cooking ingredients while retaining their texture and nutrients. Blanching the snow peas is another technique employed to enhance their color and crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- If oyster sauce is unavailable, hoisin sauce can be a suitable substitute, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

- Rice vinegar can be used in place of sherry for a similar acidic balance.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated and the sauce mixture prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together more fully.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Beef Asian-style on a platter garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added touch of color and flavor. A side of lime wedges can also enhance the dish with a fresh, citrusy note.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, which can complement the savory flavors without overpowering them. For non-alcoholic options, green tea or a sparkling water with lemon can be refreshing choices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Beef Asian-style recipe contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main meal. This calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Asian-style recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet. The primary source of carbohydrates in this dish comes from the vegetables and the small amount of sugar used in the sauce. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the oil used for stir-frying and the natural fats found in the flank steak. Using a lean cut of beef and a minimal amount of oil helps keep the fat content moderate. Each serving contains about 8 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. This recipe provides a generous amount of protein, with each serving containing approximately 25 grams. This makes it an ideal meal option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, thanks to the inclusion of beef and snow peas. Beef is a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, while snow peas provide vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. Together, they contribute to a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Alergens

The main allergens to be aware of in this recipe are soy (from the soy sauce) and gluten (from the soy sauce and oyster sauce, unless gluten-free versions are used). Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this Beef Asian-style recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile, with moderate amounts of carbohydrates and fats, a good source of protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome and flavorful option for a healthy meal.

Summary

This Beef Asian-style recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Asian cuisine, offering a delicious and nutritious meal that's easy to prepare. With its rich flavors, tender beef, and crisp snow peas, it's a dish that's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a delightful way to bring the tastes of Asia to your table.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little kitchen. The aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, and I knew something delicious was being cooked up.

Maria was a master in the kitchen, and she had learned the art of cooking from her grandmother who hailed from China. She was graciously sharing her recipe for Beef Asian-style with me, and I was eager to learn.

As she guided me through the steps, I watched in awe as she expertly marinated the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. The meat glistened in the light, promising a tender and flavorful dish.

Next, Maria heated up the wok and added a generous amount of oil. The sizzle of the beef hitting the hot pan was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As the beef cooked, Maria added in a medley of vegetables - bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. The colors of the veggies danced together in the wok, creating a beautiful and appetizing sight.

The final touch was a savory sauce made from a blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of sugar. The aroma of the sauce wafted through the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

After a few minutes of simmering, Maria plated the Beef Asian-style and garnished it with freshly chopped green onions. The dish looked like a work of art, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The tender beef, the crunchy vegetables, and the savory sauce all came together in perfect harmony. It was a symphony of taste that left me wanting more.

I thanked Maria profusely for teaching me her recipe, and she smiled warmly at me. "Cooking is an art," she said. "And sharing recipes with loved ones is a gift."

From that day on, Beef Asian-style became a staple in my recipe book. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own touch with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a splash of sesame oil. Each time I cook it, I feel a connection to Maria and her grandmother, carrying on their tradition of delicious and comforting food.

And now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope you will cherish it as much as I have. May the flavors of Beef Asian-style bring you joy and warmth, just as it has for me. Bon appétit!