Lemon Beef Stir-fry

Lemon Beef Stir-fry Recipe from China | Ingredients: Flank Steak, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Soy Sauce, Mushrooms, Carrots, and More

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

Introduction

Lemon Beef Stir-fry is a delicious and tangy dish that combines tender slices of beef with a flavorful lemon sauce and a variety of fresh vegetables. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

History

The origins of Lemon Beef Stir-fry are not well-documented, but it is believed to be a fusion of Chinese and Western cooking styles. The combination of tangy lemon juice with savory soy sauce and hoisin sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

0.5 cup beef flank steak, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
white pepper
0.25 cup carrots, shredded
0.25 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp soy sauce
0.5 tsp sugar
0.13 tsp red chile flakes
1 tsp lemon zest, finely minced
salt
1 can water chestnuts, sliced
0.5 cup snow peas

How to prepare

Heat a wok or skillet.
Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
Add thinly sliced beef and sauté until half cooked.
Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, sugar, chili, lemon juice, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Add the sauce to the beef.
When the sauce becomes glazy, approximately 1 minute, add salt and white pepper to taste and stir in the vegetables.
Stir fry until the mushrooms and snow peas are cooked but still crunchy.
Serve immediately with plain rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef.
Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Use orange juice instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should be cooked but still crunchy.

- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Beef Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking food in a hot pan with a small amount of oil. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hoisin sauce, you can substitute oyster sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little honey. You can also use any type of vegetables you have on hand in place of the mushrooms, carrots, and snow peas.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in the sauce ahead of time to save time on busy nights. Simply combine the beef and sauce in a resealable bag and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemon Beef Stir-fry in a large bowl or on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sesame seeds. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemon Beef Stir-fry with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fats

Total Fat: 8g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Proteins

Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value

Iron: 15% of daily value

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Lemon Beef Stir-fry is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamin C and iron.

Summary

Lemon Beef Stir-fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With tender slices of beef, a tangy lemon sauce, and a variety of fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Lemon Beef Stir-fry. It was a warm summer day, and I had stumbled upon a small Chinese restaurant while walking through the bustling streets of Chinatown. The aroma of sizzling meats and savory sauces wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I had always been fascinated by the flavors and techniques of Chinese cuisine, so I eagerly took a seat at one of the small tables and perused the menu. As I scanned the various dishes, one in particular caught my eye - Lemon Beef Stir-fry. Intrigued by the combination of tangy citrus and tender beef, I knew I had to give it a try.

When the dish arrived at my table, I was immediately struck by the vibrant colors and enticing smell. The beef was perfectly seared and coated in a glossy sauce that glistened in the light. I took my first bite, and it was like a symphony of flavors dancing on my taste buds. The tangy lemon paired beautifully with the rich beef, creating a dish that was both refreshing and satisfying.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish at home. I begged the chef for the recipe, but he simply smiled and shook his head, telling me it was a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. Undeterred, I vowed to recreate the dish on my own.

Over the following weeks, I spent countless hours experimenting with different ingredients and techniques in my own kitchen. I tried everything from marinating the beef in lemon juice to adding various spices and seasonings. After numerous failed attempts and a fair share of frustration, I finally stumbled upon the perfect combination of flavors that mimicked the dish I had fallen in love with.

I proudly served my homemade Lemon Beef Stir-fry to my family one evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. They couldn't believe that I had managed to recreate the flavors of the restaurant dish so closely. From that moment on, Lemon Beef Stir-fry became a staple in our household, a dish that was requested time and time again.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect my recipe for Lemon Beef Stir-fry. I added new twists and variations, using different cuts of beef and experimenting with additional ingredients. Each time I made the dish, I was reminded of that fateful day in Chinatown when I first fell in love with its bold flavors.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were always eager to learn the secrets behind my delicious creation. They marveled at the simplicity of the dish and the way the lemon brightened up the flavors of the beef. It became a favorite at potlucks and gatherings, a dish that never failed to impress.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of garlic and ginger, I can't help but smile as I prepare another batch of Lemon Beef Stir-fry. It's a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the passion and dedication that went into perfecting it.

I may never know the true origins of the recipe, or the exact techniques used by the chef in that tiny Chinatown restaurant. But that doesn't matter to me. What matters is the joy that this dish brings to me and those I share it with. And for that, I am eternally grateful.