Zhong Si Neu Niu

Zhong Si Neu Niu Recipe - Beef Steak with Tomato and Onion from Hong Kong

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zhong Si Neu Niu is a delicious Chinese dish that features tender steak fillet cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

Zhong Si Neu Niu is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold and flavorful cuisine. The combination of tender steak fillet and a rich sauce made with ketchup, soy sauce, and other seasonings creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

350 g steak fillet
1 tomato
0.5 onion

Seasoning

1 tbsp light soy sauce
0.5 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp corn flour
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp shaoxing wine
some pepper
some sesame oil

Sauce

3 tbsp tomato ketchup
0.5 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp sugar
0.5 tbsp chicken powder
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp corn flour
6 tbsp water

How to prepare

Slice the fillet into bite-sized pieces across the vertical grain.
Slightly press the fillet using a chopper, then marinate it with seasoning (1) for 30 minutes.
Remove the seeds from the tomato and shred it, also shred the onion.
Heat a wok with 4 tbsp of oil and fry the steak fillet over medium heat.
Dish up the steak when the fillets are almost cooked.
Heat the wok again with 2 tbsp of oil and stir fry the onion.
Add the shredded tomato and stir fry it well, then add the sauce.
Add the steak while the sauce is boiling, stir fry it well, then dish up and serve.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add some chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
Substitute the steak fillet with chicken or tofu for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the steak fillet across the vertical grain to ensure tenderness.

- Marinating the steak fillet for 30 minutes helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

- Stir-frying the steak fillet over medium heat ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.

- Adding the sauce to the dish while it is boiling helps to thicken it and create a rich and flavorful coating for the steak.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Zhong Si Neu Niu with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the steak fillet over medium heat ensures that it cooks quickly and retains its juiciness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or tofu instead of steak fillet for a different variation of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the steak fillet in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Zhong Si Neu Niu with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded 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

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This dish contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Zhong Si Neu Niu 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

Zhong Si Neu Niu is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that is perfect for a special meal with family and friends. With tender steak fillet cooked in a savory sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Zhong Si Neu Niu. It was a cold winter day, and I was walking through the bustling streets of Chinatown, searching for ingredients for a new dish I wanted to try. As I wandered through the colorful market stalls, my eyes fell upon a small, elderly woman selling fresh herbs and spices.

Intrigued by the unique scents wafting from her stall, I approached her and struck up a conversation. She told me that she was a master chef from China, and had been cooking for over six decades. I was immediately captivated by her passion for food, and begged her to share one of her most prized recipes with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a small slip of paper with the words "Zhong Si Neu Niu" scribbled in elegant calligraphy. She explained that this dish was a traditional Chinese beef stew, passed down through generations in her family. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement building. This was a recipe unlike any I had ever seen before, and I couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

I rushed home, eager to begin my culinary adventure. As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the dish, I could almost feel the presence of the elderly chef guiding me through each step. The aromas of the fragrant spices filled my kitchen, transporting me to a faraway land filled with exotic flavors and vibrant colors.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Zhong Si Neu Niu was finally ready. I ladled the rich, savory stew into a bowl and took my first bite. The tender beef melted in my mouth, while the complex blend of spices danced on my tastebuds. It was a symphony of flavors, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

As I savored each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, who were all amazed by the depth of flavor and complexity of the dish. They begged me to share the recipe with them, and I happily obliged, passing on the traditions and techniques I had learned from the elderly chef in Chinatown.

Through this recipe for Zhong Si Neu Niu, I discovered the power of food to connect people across cultures and generations. It was more than just a dish - it was a gateway to a world of culinary delights and shared experiences. And as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, I am reminded of the magic and wonder that can be found in a simple bowl of stew.