Introduction
Stir-fries are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. One of the most popular ingredients in stir-fries is beef. However, many people find it difficult to cook beef to be tender. In this blog post, we will share a Chinese secret to softening tough beef and a delicious stir-fry recipe.
The Secret to Tender Beef
The secret to tender beef in stir-fries is to use a combination of techniques. Here are a few tips:
- Use the right cut of beef: The best cuts of beef for stir-frying are flank steak, skirt steak, and ribeye steak. These cuts are naturally tender and have a good flavor.
- Marinate the beef: Marinating the beef in a flavorful marinade will help to tenderize it and add flavor.
- Cook the beef quickly: Stir-frying is all about cooking the beef quickly over high heat. This will help to seal in the juices and keep the beef tender.
Tender Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the beef: In a bowl, combine the flank steak, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Toss to coat.
- Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until softened. Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water.
- Combine the ingredients: Return the beef to the skillet and add the sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry over rice.
Tips:
- If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.
- You can add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- For a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.
By following these tips and using this recipe, you can create a delicious and tender beef stir-fry that will impress your friends and family.