Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce is a classic Chinese dish that is both savory and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, flavorful oyster sauce, and aromatic ginger creates a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Oyster sauce, made from oysters, sugar, salt, and water, adds a rich umami flavor to the dish. The dish is typically served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef steak, julienned

Marinade

0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tbsp vegetable oil
2 slices ginger root, chopped
2.5 tbsp oyster sauce
0.75 tsp sugar
pepper to taste

Sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sherry
4 tbsp beef stock
2 tsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Cut the beef into pieces and rub them with salt and vegetable oil.
Prepare the sauce ingredients and chop the ginger.
Heat the wok and add oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef, spreading the pieces out to ensure even cooking.
Turn the beef pieces once.
Continue stir-frying until the meat changes color.
Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Add oil to the wok and stir-fry the ginger.
Add the oyster sauce and sugar.
Create a well in the center of the wok and pour in the sauce mixture, stirring to thicken.
Add the cooked beef, mix quickly, and serve on a heated dish.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Use different sauces such as hoisin sauce or black bean sauce for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the beef into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Marinating the beef in salt and vegetable oil helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

- Stir-fry the beef in a hot wok to ensure that it cooks quickly and retains its juiciness.

- Be sure to stir the sauce mixture well to prevent lumps from forming.

- Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy it at its best.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a hot wok or skillet. The key is to keep the ingredients moving constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little sugar for a similar flavor profile. You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different variation.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also prepare the sauce mixture in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce on a bed of steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in a decorative serving dish for a more elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. You can also serve it with a cold beer or a hot cup of green tea for a more traditional pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin C: 3mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Oyster sauce (shellfish)

Summary

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce is a protein-rich dish that is moderate in calories and fat. It is a good source of iron and vitamin C, but may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the bustling streets of Hong Kong. I remember it like it was yesterday - the sights, the sounds, the smells of the bustling marketplaces where my family would go to buy our groceries.

One day, as I was wandering through the crowded stalls, I stumbled upon a little old lady selling fresh vegetables and herbs. Intrigued by the colorful array of produce in front of me, I struck up a conversation with her. She was kind and wise, with a twinkle in her eye that hinted at a lifetime of culinary expertise.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for stir-fried beef with oyster sauce that had been passed down through her family for generations. She spoke of how the dish was a favorite among her loved ones, and how it never failed to bring them together around the dinner table.

Intrigued by the prospect of trying something new, I asked her if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. Much to my delight, she agreed, and we spent the afternoon huddled together as she guided me through the steps of creating this delicious dish.

First, she showed me how to select the best cut of beef - tender and marbled, with just the right amount of fat to keep it juicy and flavorful. Then, she taught me how to slice it thinly against the grain, a technique that would ensure that each bite would be tender and easy to chew.

Next, we moved on to the oyster sauce - a rich and savory condiment that would be the star of the show in this dish. She explained how to balance the sweetness of the sauce with the umami of the oysters, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that would tantalize the taste buds.

Finally, we sautéed the beef in a hot wok, adding the oyster sauce at just the right moment to infuse the meat with its delicious essence. The aroma that wafted through the air was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I marveled at the simple yet profound connection that food had the power to create. In that moment, I realized that cooking was so much more than just a means of nourishment - it was a way to bring people together, to celebrate life and love and all the joys that it had to offer.

From that day on, stir-fried beef with oyster sauce became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I shared the recipe with my family and friends, passing on the knowledge that had been bestowed upon me by that kind old lady in the marketplace.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing this dish for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I remember that fateful day so long ago. The recipe may have originated from a stranger in a far-off land, but the memories and traditions that it has brought into my life are truly priceless. And for that, I am forever grateful.