Marco Polo Steak Skillet

Marco Polo Steak Skillet Recipe - American Style Dish

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

Introduction

Marco Polo Steak Skillet is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender strips of round steak with crisp green bell peppers and juicy tomatoes in a flavorful sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

History

The origins of Marco Polo Steak Skillet are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the flavors of Asian cuisine. The combination of beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce is a classic combination that has been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 lb (680 g) beef round steak, cut into thin strips
1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 0.75 inch squares
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
1.5 cups beef broth
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 medium tomato, cut into 0.75 inch pieces
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add beef and cook over high heat until brown, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add green pepper and continue to cook until soft but not brown, about 3 minutes.
Dissolve cornstarch in soy sauce and stir into the skillet.
Add broth, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture becomes clear and thickened.
Add tomato and heat through.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or pork for the beef for a different flavor.
Add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or broccoli for a more colorful dish.
Use different seasonings such as garlic, ginger, or chili flakes for a spicier version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the round steak into thin strips to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Cooking the beef over high heat will help to brown the meat and seal in the juices.

- Dissolving the cornstarch in soy sauce before adding it to the skillet will help to prevent lumps in the sauce.

- Be sure to stir the sauce often as it thickens to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marco Polo Steak Skillet over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Marco Polo Steak Skillet is to cook the beef quickly over high heat to seal in the juices and keep it tender. Be sure to stir the sauce often as it thickens to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Marco Polo Steak Skillet ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This can help to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Marco Polo Steak Skillet in a large serving dish with a garnish of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Marco Polo Steak Skillet pairs well with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Marco Polo Steak Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skillet in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Marco Polo Steak Skillet contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Marco Polo Steak Skillet contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Marco Polo Steak Skillet contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Marco Polo Steak Skillet contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Marco Polo Steak Skillet is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Marco Polo Steak Skillet is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marco Polo Steak Skillet is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my kitchen as I rummaged through a dusty old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and tattered scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded piece of parchment with the words "Marco Polo Steak Skillet" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name alone intrigued me. Marco Polo Steak Skillet. It sounded exotic and adventurous, like something straight out of a far-off land. I knew right then and there that I had to give it a try.

I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions, taking note of the bold flavors and unique combination of spices that made up the dish. The recipe called for tender strips of sirloin steak marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then stir-fried with crisp vegetables and tossed with a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.

I could almost taste the rich, umami flavors just from reading the recipe. It was unlike anything I had ever cooked before, but I was determined to master it.

As I set out to gather the ingredients and prepare the dish, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of the recipe. Who had first created it? How had it come to be passed down through the generations to land in my hands?

I recalled my grandmother telling me stories of her own culinary adventures, of learning new recipes from friends and neighbors, and of experimenting in the kitchen to create her own signature dishes. Perhaps this Marco Polo Steak Skillet was one of those creations, a dish born out of curiosity and a desire to explore new flavors.

As I sliced the steak into thin strips and mixed together the marinade, the aromas of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic wafted through the air, filling my kitchen with a tantalizing scent. I could feel the excitement building as I heated the skillet and began to stir-fry the steak and vegetables, the sizzle of the pan music to my ears.

The colors and textures of the dish came together beautifully, the vibrant greens of the broccoli and snap peas contrasting with the deep brown hues of the steak and sauce. I knew I had created something special, something that would soon become a favorite in my own family.

As I plated the Marco Polo Steak Skillet and took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic spices. The tender steak melted in my mouth, the sauce coating each bite with a rich, savory sweetness that lingered on my tongue.

I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family and friends, to pass on the recipe and the story behind it. I knew that this Marco Polo Steak Skillet would become a beloved tradition in our household, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to the past and to the world beyond our own kitchens.

And so, with each delicious bite, I savored not only the flavors of the dish but also the memories of the day I found the recipe, a day that would forever be etched in my mind as the beginning of a new culinary adventure.