Stir-fried Beef Salad

Stir-fried Beef Salad Recipe from China with Spinach and Tomato

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Beef Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender strips of beef with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a light and refreshing lunch.

History

Stir-fried Beef Salad is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, where stir-frying is a common cooking technique. The combination of beef, vegetables, and a savory sauce is a classic and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless beef sirloin steak
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp grated fresh gingerroot
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup (about 2 oz (57 g)) fresh mushrooms, quartered
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
3 cup hot cooked rice
0.5 lb (227 g) fresh spinach, torn into bite-size pieces
1 medium tomato, seeded and coarsely chopped

How to prepare

Partially freeze the steak and slice it across the grain into 0.13 inch strips. Set them aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil, gingerroot, and garlic in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot.
Stir-fry the beef, half at a time, for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the beef and keep it warm.
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and heat it until hot. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the beef and rice, and toss lightly. Serve it over spinach.
Top it with tomato and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas, for extra color and nutrients.
Customize the sauce by adding chili paste, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Partially freezing the steak before slicing it will make it easier to cut into thin strips.

- Be sure to slice the beef across the grain to ensure tenderness.

- Stir-fry the beef in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.

- Toss the beef and rice together lightly to coat them evenly with the sauce.

- Serve the dish immediately to enjoy it at its freshest and most flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Beef Salad over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and high-heat cooking method that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil over high heat. This technique helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients while creating a delicious and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use flank steak or strip steak instead of sirloin steak.

- Substitute balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar for cider vinegar.

- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The beef can be sliced and marinated in the sauce a day in advance for quick and easy meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stir-fried Beef Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Stir-fried Beef Salad with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete and balanced meal. Serve with a glass of white wine or green tea for a refreshing beverage option.

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 before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Stir-fried Beef Salad is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium from the fresh vegetables and beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Stir-fried Beef Salad is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stir-fried Beef Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With tender strips of beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delicious dish for lunch or dinner and customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Stir-fried Beef Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My family didn't have much, but we always made the most of what we had.

One day, a neighbor came over to our house with a basket full of fresh vegetables and a cut of beef. She said she had learned this recipe from her grandmother and wanted to share it with us. I watched as she expertly sliced the beef into thin strips and marinated it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The aroma that filled our kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

As the beef sizzled in the pan, my mouth watered in anticipation. The neighbor added the vegetables and tossed everything together with a tangy dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. The colors and textures of the dish were a feast for the eyes, and when I finally took a bite, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

I asked the neighbor to teach me how to make Stir-fried Beef Salad, and she was more than happy to pass on her knowledge. Over the years, I tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding more vegetables and experimenting with different seasonings. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to the past and to the generations of women who had cooked before me.

As I grew older and moved away from the countryside, I continued to make Stir-fried Beef Salad for my own family. It became a staple in our household, a dish that was always met with smiles and requests for seconds. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of good food and good company.

Years passed, and I found myself with a collection of recipes from various places and people. Each one held a special place in my heart, but Stir-fried Beef Salad was always my favorite. It reminded me of simpler times, of a time when a humble meal could bring so much joy and satisfaction.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling beef and fresh vegetables, I can't help but feel grateful for all the lessons I have learned over the years. Cooking has been a source of comfort and creativity for me, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. And as I take a bite of the Stir-fried Beef Salad that has been a constant in my life, I know that some recipes are more than just food – they are a link to the past, a taste of tradition, and a reminder of the love that goes into every dish.