Chinese Beef

Chinese Beef Recipe - Delicious Ginger and Green Onion Beef

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5-7 hours on low, 10-15 minutes on high | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chinese Beef is a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender flank steak with a flavorful sauce made from beef consommé, soy sauce, and ginger. The addition of green onions and pea pods adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve this Chinese Beef over hot rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

History

Chinese Beef is a popular dish that has been enjoyed in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The combination of tender beef, savory sauce, and fresh vegetables is a classic flavor profile that has stood the test of time. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite in Chinese households and restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) flank steak
1 can (10.5 oz (298 g)) beef consommé
0.25 cup soy sauce
0.25 tsp Ground ginger
1 pack green onions, sliced
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp Cold water
7 oz (198 g) Frozen pea pods, partly thawed

How to prepare

Thinly slice flank steak diagonally across the grain.
Combine the strips in a slow cooker with consommé, soy sauce, ginger, and onions.
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours. Then, turn the control to high.
Stir in cornstarch that has been dissolved in cold water.
Cook on high for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Drop in pea pods during the last 5 minutes. Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different twist on this recipe.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or water chestnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thinly slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure that it cooks quickly and remains tender.

- Cooking the beef in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender.

- Dissolving the cornstarch in cold water before adding it to the sauce helps to prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, thickened sauce.

- Adding the pea pods at the end of cooking helps to retain their crisp texture and vibrant color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Beef over hot rice for a complete meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the beef allows it to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Stirring in the cornstarch slurry at the end helps to thicken the sauce and create a luscious coating for the beef.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have flank steak, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as a substitute. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your sodium intake.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Chinese Beef ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Chinese Beef with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Serve in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese Beef pairs well with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chinese Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Beef contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese Beef contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese Beef contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese Beef contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese Beef is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (from the soy sauce), and may contain traces of gluten.

Summary

Chinese Beef is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Chinese Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender beef with a savory sauce and fresh vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal. Serve over hot rice for a complete and delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chinese Beef. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, was the one who taught me how to make this savory dish.

I remember watching her in the kitchen, her hands moving with such grace and precision as she prepared the ingredients. She would always start by marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice wine. The smell of the marinade would fill the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the beef marinated, my grandmother would chop up an assortment of vegetables - bell peppers, onions, and scallions - to add to the dish. She would also prepare a simple sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar to give the dish its signature flavor.

Once everything was ready, she would heat up a wok, adding a splash of oil before tossing in the marinated beef. The sizzle of the meat hitting the hot pan would fill the air, and I would eagerly watch as she stirred and tossed the beef until it was perfectly cooked.

Next, she would add in the vegetables, allowing them to cook just until they were tender-crisp. Finally, she would pour in the sauce, allowing it to bubble and thicken before turning off the heat.

I can still remember the aroma that filled the kitchen as she plated the Chinese Beef, the rich flavors mingling together in perfect harmony. It was a dish that always brought our family together, each of us eagerly grabbing a bowl of rice to pair with the savory meat and vegetables.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adjusting and perfecting it to suit my own tastes. I have added my own twist to the marinade, experimenting with different spices and herbs to create a dish that is uniquely my own.

But no matter how many times I make it, the taste of my grandmother's Chinese Beef will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, a reminder of the love and care that goes into every meal.

And so, as I cook this recipe once again, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for my grandmother and all that she has taught me. Her passion for cooking has inspired me to continue exploring new flavors and techniques, always striving to create dishes that bring joy and comfort to those around me.

As I take a bite of the Chinese Beef, savoring the familiar flavors that have become a part of my family's culinary heritage, I can't help but smile. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bond between generations and the power of a shared love for good food.