Gingered Beef Stir-fry

Gingered Beef Stir-fry Recipe from China - Ingredients and Steps

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Gingered Beef Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with a medley of fresh vegetables and a savory ginger sauce. This stir-fry is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to create delicious and nutritious meals. The combination of meat, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce is a hallmark of stir-fry dishes, and ginger is a common ingredient used to add a spicy kick to the dish.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 0.5-inch thick slices
1 tsp vegetable oil
0.13 tsp salt
0.13 tsp ground white pepper
0.5 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.5 cup snow peas
0.5 cup diagonally sliced celery
0.25 cup sliced green onions
0.25 cup red pepper strips
1 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Cut the beef diagonally across the grain into slices that are 0.13 inches thick.
Heat the oil in a wok or medium skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef, salt, and pepper, and stir-fry until the beef is browned.
Add the mushrooms, snow peas, celery, onions, and pepper strips. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, blend the ginger, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water. Add this mixture to the beef and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Serve the dish over rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different flavor.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a more colorful dish.
Experiment with different sauces such as teriyaki or hoisin for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef against the grain to ensure that it stays tender.

- Use a hot wok or skillet to quickly cook the ingredients and maintain their crisp texture.

- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should be tender-crisp for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Gingered Beef Stir-fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that involves cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok with a small amount of oil. Be sure to keep the ingredients moving in the pan to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger as a substitute. You can also use different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this dish ahead of time by slicing the beef and vegetables and mixing the sauce. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Gingered Beef Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or potstickers for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

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

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It also contains beef, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This Gingered Beef Stir-fry 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 a meal.

Summary

Gingered Beef Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious meal that is quick and easy to make. With a flavorful ginger sauce and a mix of fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this stir-fry with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, with a talent for taking simple ingredients and turning them into delicious meals that would warm the hearts and bellies of her family.

One day, as I watched her bustling about the kitchen, I asked her if she could teach me how to make something special. Something that would impress my friends and family. Without hesitation, she pulled out a well-worn cookbook from the shelf and flipped through the pages until she found a recipe for Gingered Beef Stir-fry.

"This is a recipe that I learned from a dear friend of mine many years ago," she said, her eyes twinkling with memories of days gone by. "It's a simple dish, but full of flavor and sure to please."

I eagerly followed her instructions, chopping the vegetables, marinating the beef, and stirring the sauce until it was thick and fragrant. As the dish came together in the wok, the aromas of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When it was finally ready, my grandmother and I sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite of the Gingered Beef Stir-fry was a revelation. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and bold flavors of ginger and garlic danced on my taste buds, leaving me wanting more.

From that moment on, Gingered Beef Stir-fry became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just as a quick and easy weeknight meal. And each time she made it, she would tell me the story of how she learned the recipe from her friend and how it had become a favorite in her own family.

As the years passed, I too began to share the recipe with my friends and eventually with my own children. They would gather around the kitchen, just as I had done with my grandmother, eager to learn the secrets of making Gingered Beef Stir-fry. And just like me, they would be amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create a dish that was so delicious and satisfying.

Now, as I look back on that day in my grandmother's kitchen, I realize that the recipe for Gingered Beef Stir-fry is more than just a dish. It is a connection to the past, a link to the generations of women who came before me and who passed down their knowledge and love of cooking. And it is a reminder that the simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones can create memories that last a lifetime.

So whenever I make Gingered Beef Stir-fry now, I think of my grandmother and her friend, of the days spent in the kitchen learning the art of cooking, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love. And I am grateful for the recipe that has brought so much warmth and happiness into my life.