Oriental Beef Stir-Fry

Oriental Beef Stir-Fry Recipe - Asian Cuisine from China

Region / culture: Asia, China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Oriental Beef Stir-Fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of sirloin steak with a variety of fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to create delicious and healthy dishes. The combination of meat, vegetables, and sauce in a stir-fry allows for the flavors to meld together while retaining the crisp texture of the vegetables.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
0.25 cup peanut or vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
2 stalks celery, diagonally sliced
1 large green pepper (jalapeño or bell), cut into 0.75 inch squares, deseeded if desired
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
0.25 lb (113 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced or 1 can fresh mushrooms
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp soy sauce, dark or light only
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups hot cooked white rice
chili powder, optional
melted butter, optional

How to prepare

In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over high heat and brown steak strips.
Push the meat to one side and add vegetables.
Stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes, then push to the side.
In a separate bowl, combine broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
Add the mixture to the pan and cook until thickened.
Serve the dish over fluffy white rice.
If desired, sprinkle with chili powder and drizzle with melted butter.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. You can also experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the steak to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to quickly cook the ingredients while maintaining their crisp texture.

- Be sure to stir the ingredients constantly to prevent them from sticking to the pan.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over hot cooked white rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient 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 constantly to prevent them from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sirloin steak, you can use another type of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak. You can also substitute the vegetables in this recipe with whatever you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this dish ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This can help save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oriental Beef Stir-Fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed jasmine 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. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or reheat in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oriental Beef Stir-Fry contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the white rice, which provides a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

The vegetable oil used for stir-frying adds healthy fats to the dish, while the optional melted butter can provide additional richness and flavor.

Proteins

The sirloin steak is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

The vegetables in this dish, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, and mushrooms, provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Summary

Overall, Oriental Beef Stir-Fry is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Oriental Beef Stir-Fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With tender slices of sirloin steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through a flea market in Chinatown, searching for unique and exotic ingredients to add to my ever-growing collection of recipes. As I strolled through the bustling market, the aroma of sizzling meat and savory spices filled the air, drawing me towards a small food stall at the corner of the street.

There, I met an elderly woman with a kind smile and weathered hands that were expertly tossing pieces of beef in a sizzling wok. Intrigued by the delicious smell wafting from her stall, I struck up a conversation with her and learned that she had been a chef in China for over forty years, specializing in traditional stir-fry dishes.

As we chatted, she generously shared with me the secrets of her famous Oriental Beef Stir-Fry recipe. She explained that the key to a successful stir-fry lies in the preparation of the ingredients and the mastery of the cooking technique. She showed me how to slice the beef thinly against the grain, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry it quickly over high heat to lock in the flavors and juices.

I was captivated by her skill and knowledge, and I eagerly took notes as she demonstrated each step of the cooking process. She also shared with me her favorite combination of vegetables to include in the stir-fry – crisp bell peppers, tender broccoli florets, and sweet snow peas – along with a simple yet flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of honey.

After spending a delightful afternoon with the talented chef, I thanked her profusely for sharing her recipe with me and vowed to recreate it in my own kitchen. I left the market that day feeling inspired and excited to try my hand at making the Oriental Beef Stir-Fry for my family.

Back at home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work preparing the dish. I carefully sliced the beef, marinated it in the fragrant mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and chopped the colorful vegetables for the stir-fry. As I heated the wok and added the beef to the sizzling pan, the aroma of the cooking meat filled the kitchen, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Chinatown.

I tossed the beef and vegetables in the hot wok, stirring them quickly and skillfully to ensure that they cooked evenly and retained their crisp textures. The savory scent of the oyster sauce and soy sauce mingled with the sweetness of the honey, creating a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, the dish was ready, and I eagerly plated it up, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil. As I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I marveled at how a chance encounter with a talented chef at a flea market had led me to discover a new and delicious recipe that would become a staple in my culinary repertoire.

Since that fateful day, I have made the Oriental Beef Stir-Fry countless times, each time evoking memories of the kind chef who shared her recipe with me. I have also added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different combinations of vegetables, sauces, and seasonings to create unique variations that suit my family's tastes.

As I savor each bite of the savory stir-fry, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that introduced me to this delightful recipe and for the joy it has brought to my loved ones. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it is about passion, creativity, and the shared experience of enjoying a delicious meal with those we hold dear. And for that, I am truly thankful.