Chinese 'stir fried' beef

Chinese Stir Fried Beef Recipe - Authentic and Savory

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

Introduction

Stir-fried beef is a popular Chinese dish that is quick and easy to make. It is a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

History

Stir-fried beef has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, where stir-frying is a common cooking technique. The dish has since spread to other parts of the world and has become a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

400 g lean round beef, cut into strips 30 mm long, fat removed
1 clove garlic, crushed
0.25 cup dry white wine
1 onion, sliced into rings
0.33 cup unsweetened apple juice
4 silver beet leaves and stalks, chopped
1 cup water chestnuts, sliced, drained
24 snow peas
1 can (425 g) baby corn
0.25 cup defatted beef stock
2 tbsp cornflour, mixed with extra water
1 cup cooked and drained buckwheat noodles

How to prepare

Marinate beef strips and crushed garlic in the wine.
Saute onion and apple juice in a non-stick pan with the lid on, until tender.
Add chopped silver beet stalks, water chestnuts, and snow peas.
Simmer with the lid on for 2 minutes. Remove from pan and keep warm.
Saute meat and wine at high temperature, turning the meat as it cooks, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add all the remaining ingredients, except the cornflour, gently toss and mix the ingredients at a high temperature.
Thicken with the mixed cornflour. Fold in the cooked noodles and serve immediately.
Serves 4.

Variations

You can add different vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the beef strips in the wine and garlic for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a non-stick pan to sauté the onions and apple juice to prevent sticking and burning.

- Be sure to cook the meat at a high temperature to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Thicken the sauce with cornflour to give the dish a nice, glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fried beef dish can be served on its own or with steamed rice for a more filling meal. It can also be paired with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this dish is stir-frying, which involves cooking the ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have round beef, you can use flank steak or sirloin instead. You can also use chicken or pork as a substitute for beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this stir-fried beef dish in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 this stir-fried beef dish contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the noodles, apple juice, and water chestnuts. Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the lean round beef and the small amount of oil used for cooking. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the lean round beef. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the snow peas and vitamin A from the silver beet leaves. It also contains iron and potassium from the beef and water chestnuts.

Alergens

This dish contains beef and may not be suitable for those with beef allergies. It also contains gluten from the noodles.

Summary

Overall, this stir-fried beef dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stir-fried beef is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this flavorful meal in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My family didn't have much money, but we always made the best of what we had. One day, a neighbor invited us over for dinner and served us a dish that would change my life forever - Chinese stir-fried beef.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make this delicious dish. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - the tender beef, the crisp vegetables, the savory sauce. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me wanting more.

I begged our neighbor to teach me how to make the dish, and she graciously agreed. She showed me how to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and how to stir-fry it with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. She taught me the secret to creating the perfect sauce - a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar.

I practiced making the dish over and over again, perfecting my technique and adjusting the flavors to suit my own taste. I experimented with different vegetables and spices, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe. And soon, I had mastered the art of making Chinese stir-fried beef.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. Each time I make the dish, I am reminded of that first taste that sparked my love for cooking. And each time I take a bite, I am transported back to that small village in China, where a simple meal changed the course of my life.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the smells of garlic and ginger, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people who have taught me their recipes and shared their love of cooking with me. I may not have much in the way of material possessions, but I am rich in the memories and flavors that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, as I serve up a steaming plate of Chinese stir-fried beef to my family, I know that I am passing down more than just a recipe - I am passing down a legacy of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones you hold dear.