Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce

Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce Recipe from Southeast Asia

Region / culture: Asia, Philippines, Southeast Asia | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce is a classic Chinese dish that is both flavorful and healthy. The combination of tender beef slices with the savory oyster sauce creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

This dish has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The use of oyster sauce in cooking can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, where it was first created as a way to preserve the flavor of oysters. Over time, oyster sauce has become a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes, including this steamed beef recipe.

Ingredients

2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tsp grated ginger
0.5 tsp rock salt or iodized salt
1 tsp sriracha or 2-3 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
3 tbsp oyster sauce
0.5 tsp baking soda
500 g thinly sliced beef sirloin
2 tbsp rice flour
6 to 8 pieces Baguio pechay
1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together green onions, ginger, salt, sriracha (or hot sauce), cooking wine, oyster sauce, baking soda, and sesame oil. Add beef and mix well.
Marinate the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. Add rice flour and mix.
Preheat a large steamer and add star anise to the water. Arrange 3 to 4 pieces of pechay on the steamer's basket.
Place half of the beef on top of the pechay. Steam for 10 to 15 minutes or until the beef is cooked through.
Top with half of the bell peppers and carrots; steam for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining beef.
Toss the cooked beef in oyster sauce and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve hot with steamed white rice on the side.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Use a large steamer to ensure that the beef cooks properly and evenly.

- Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the steamed beef with oyster sauce with steamed white rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the beef ensures that it stays tender and juicy, while also allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different variation of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to steam.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed dumplings for a complete 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

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and oyster sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.

Summary

Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef slices and savory oyster sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had invited me into the kitchen to watch her prepare dinner for our family. As I stood by her side, I watched in awe as she carefully marinated the beef, steamed it to perfection, and then drizzled it with a rich oyster sauce that made my mouth water.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she smiled and told me a story from her own childhood. She explained that when she was a young girl, her own grandmother had taught her how to make the recipe. Her grandmother had learned it from a friend who had traveled to a neighboring village and brought back the recipe with her. It had been passed down through the generations, and now my grandmother was passing it on to me.

From that day on, I became determined to learn how to make Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce just like my grandmother. I watched her every move in the kitchen, asking questions and taking mental notes of all the ingredients and techniques she used. I practiced making the dish over and over again, until I had perfected it to my grandmother's satisfaction.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I continued to make Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce for my loved ones. It became a staple dish in our household, a recipe that was cherished and enjoyed by all who tasted it. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were always impressed by the flavors and textures of the dish.

Over the years, I have added my own personal touches to the recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it my own. I have experimented with different cuts of beef, varied the seasonings, and even tried using different types of oyster sauce to see how it would affect the flavor. But no matter how much I have changed the recipe, the essence of the dish has always remained the same - tender, succulent beef steamed to perfection and coated in a savory oyster sauce that is both rich and flavorful.

I have shared this recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce to the next generation. It brings me joy to see them gather in the kitchen, just as I did with my own grandmother all those years ago, learning the art of cooking and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As I look back on my life and all the recipes I have learned and mastered, I realize that Steamed Beef with Oyster Sauce holds a special place in my heart. It is more than just a dish - it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage, and a testament to the love and care that goes into every meal I prepare. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned in the kitchen, and for the memories that have been created around the table with my family and friends. And I know that as long as I am able, I will continue to cook and share this recipe, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come.