A beef stir fry prepared in the traditional Chinese way, with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a savory umami sauce, is a dish that is both simple and tasty. This is one of the easiest recipes for stir-fried beef, and you can simply create everything from scratch using items that are readily available in your kitchen pantry cupboard. You may serve this dish with a wrap, noodles, or a bowl of plain rice.
Why is this recipe successful?
This dish has been tried and tested, and it is a foolproof meal that anybody can make at home. When you prepare it at home, you have the ability to tailor the veggies and sauces to your specific personal preferences. With a limited budget, you are able to provide food for the entire family.
I am sharing with you this recipe for our original Chinese-style beef stir fry, which is juicy and soft, and it is accompanied with colorful and crisp bell peppers, as well as a homemade sauce that is excellent. In little time at all, you will become an expert stir-fry cook if you adhere to these straightforward cooking techniques. Yes, I can assure you of that!
What do we need?
You will need beef steak, garlic, onion, a choice of crisp bell peppers, and pantry staple sauces.
Beef: The secret to tender beef starts with choosing the right steak cut. You don’t always have to use the expensive steak cut. It’s good to go with rump, sirloin, chuck, ribeye steak, etc.
Garlic: Add freshly chopped garlic for the best flavour.
Vegetables: I used onions and bell peppers in this recipe. Feel free to add your choice of stir-fry vegetables.
Stir-fry sauce: oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, freshly crushed black peppercorns, and red wine vinegar. These are the ingredients for the sauce. I add cornstarch to create a thick and glossy sauce texture.
How to slice and marinade beef.
Slicing the beef is an essential step, and in order to slice the beef into thin strips or slices, you will need a sharp knife. Make sure that you cut the steak against the grain. Slicing against the grain involves cutting through the meat fibers, which is the aim of this technique. Because of this, the beef is extremely tender.
After you have cut all of the beef, rinse it well and leave it in a colander for 10 to 15 minutes. Now place the slices in a mixing bowl and begin the process of marinating the beef. The ingredients that should be included are soy 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. Using a whisk, mix well and add it to the sliced beef strips.
Incorporate the sauce by using your hands, and then cover and set aside for at least fifteen minutes. In the event that you have more time, you are permitted to leave it for up to thirty minutes.
How to make this beef stir-fry
Prepare the sauce and vegetables.
- Cut the peppers and onions into slices or dice, and chop the garlic cloves. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set it aside.
Stir-fry the beef.
- Heat the large wok/pan over medium-high heat, add oil, add the onion and chopped garlic, and mix. Allow the onion to cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Now move the onion to the right side of the pan and add the marinated beef strips. Flatten the beef and let it sear for
- 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom part is charred. Then flip the beef and continue to stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes, or until no longer pink. Now add the bell peppers, giving it a gentle mix.
Sauce.
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper corns , 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon corn flour
- Next, pour the sauce into the wok/pan and continue to stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce is glossy.
- Over Rice: Scoop generous portions of the beef stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
- With Noodles: Alternatively, serve the stir-fry over cooked noodles such as rice noodles or lo mein noodles. The noodles add a delightful texture and make the dish even more filling.
- As a Main Course: Serve the beef stir-fry as the main course alongside some simple sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, spoon the beef stir-fry into crisp lettuce leaves and roll them up for delicious lettuce wraps. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy the dish.
- With Fried Rice: Pair the beef stir fry with homemade or store-bought fried rice for a classic Asian-inspired combination. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this deliciously saucy beef stir fry is sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQS!
Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?
To maintain crispiness, ensure that you don’t overcook the vegetables. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat to retain their texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the stir-fry just before serving to ensure it’s fresh and flavorful.
Is this stir-fry spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the ingredients you use. Adjust according to your preference for heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While the stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What can I serve with this stir fry besides rice or noodles?
You can serve the stir-fry with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mashed potatoes for a different twist. Experiment with different grains or starches to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the beef with tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and broccoli. Use vegan-friendly sauces and skip the oyster sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the final cooking stage until it reaches the desired thickness.
Remember, don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor the recipe to your preferences! Enjoy your deliciously saucy beef stir fry!
Enjoy Cooking!
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