Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans

Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans Recipe from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans is a classic Asian dish that combines tender beef, crisp green beans, and savory flavors. This dish is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

History

Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where stir-frying is a popular cooking technique. The combination of beef and green beans creates a delicious and nutritious dish that has become a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup sliced mushrooms
0.5 cup chopped onions
1 cup French style green beans
1 tsp garlic
2 tbsp soy sauce
0.5 lb (227 g) boneless beef
0.5 tsp pepper

How to prepare

In a pan, stir fry the green beans in oil until they are tender.
Remove the green beans from the pan and sauté the onions and garlic in the same oil. Add the beef and mushrooms, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, add the green beans back to the pan along with soy sauce and pepper.
Sauté the mixture for 1 minute.
Serve the dish with rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for additional vegetables.
Use different seasonings such as ginger, chili paste, or oyster sauce for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve a nice sear on the beef and vegetables.

- Don't overcook the green beans, as they should remain crisp and vibrant in color.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or seasonings to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen green beans if fresh ones are not available.

- Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake or button mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in soy sauce and pepper ahead of time to save time when cooking. You can also prep the vegetables in advance for quicker assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed dumplings 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 a pan or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans is a balanced dish 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

Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I would spend hours watching her work her magic with various ingredients, creating delicious dishes that always left me wanting more.

One day, as I watched her prepare dinner, she pulled out a handwritten recipe card from her worn wooden recipe box. The card was stained and faded, a testament to the countless times it had been used over the years. As she read the ingredients and instructions aloud, I was captivated by the simplicity and beauty of the dish she was about to create.

The recipe called for thinly sliced beef, fresh green beans, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a few other basic ingredients. It was a dish that required careful attention to detail and precise timing, but my grandmother made it look effortless. She moved around the kitchen with grace and ease, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables, sliced meat, and tossed everything together in a sizzling hot wok.

As the aroma of the stir-fry filled the kitchen, I could hardly contain my excitement. I knew that this dish was going to be something special, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. When my grandmother finally plated the dish and set it in front of me, I couldn't believe my eyes. The beef was tender and flavorful, the green beans crisp and bright green, and the sauce was a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors.

I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of culinary delight. The beef melted in my mouth, the green beans provided a satisfying crunch, and the sauce tied everything together in a symphony of flavors. It was a dish that was simple yet sophisticated, comforting yet exciting, and it instantly became one of my all-time favorites.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged my grandmother to teach me her secrets, and she graciously agreed. Over the next few weeks, she patiently guided me through the process, showing me how to slice the beef just so, how to blanch the green beans for the perfect texture, and how to season the dish with just the right amount of soy sauce and ginger.

As I practiced and honed my skills, I began to understand the true artistry of stir-frying. It wasn't just about tossing ingredients together in a hot pan – it was about understanding the flavors and textures of each ingredient, knowing how to balance them harmoniously, and being able to wield a wok with confidence and finesse.

Eventually, I was able to make Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans on my own, and I was thrilled with the results. The dish tasted just like my grandmother's, bringing back memories of those magical evenings in her kitchen. I knew that I had truly mastered the recipe when my own family couldn't get enough of it, asking for it time and time again.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to future generations, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. This dish represents more than just a meal – it is a connection to my past, a link to my grandmother and all the love and wisdom she shared with me in the kitchen. And as I watch my own grandchildren learn to make Stir-fried Beef and Green Beans, I know that the tradition will continue, spreading love and happiness through the simple act of cooking.