Introduction
This delicious stir-fry is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, enhanced by a rich sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sauce:
– 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
– 1½ tablespoons Chinese cooking wine, mirin, or dry sherry
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 teaspoon coarsely crushed black pepper (or ½ teaspoon ground black pepper)
For the Stir-Fry:
– 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable or canola oil)
– 1 garlic clove, finely minced
– ½ onion, peeled and sliced
– 500g (1 lb) thinly sliced tender beef (such as tenderloin, flank, sirloin, or any cut suitable for stir-frying)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-3 people
Enjoy this flavorful stir-fry with a crispy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, ready in no time!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine 2½ tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons honey, 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce), 1½ tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (mirin or dry sherry), 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon coarsely crushed black pepper (or ½ teaspoon ground black pepper). Mix well until fully combined.
Step 2: Heat the Wok
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or vegetable or canola oil) in a wok or large heavy-based skillet over high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it begins to smoke.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the sliced onion and finely minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until the onion turns translucent. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the 500g (1 lb) thinly sliced tender beef to the wok. Stir-fry the beef for approximately 1 minute, or until it is cooked to your preference. Once done, remove the beef and onion mixture from the wok and set it aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-high and pour the prepared sauce into the empty wok. Allow it to simmer quickly for about 1 minute, or until it thickens and becomes syrupy, characterized by larger bubbles and a caramel color.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the beef and onion mixture back into the wok, including any juices that may have accumulated. Toss everything together in the sauce until just warmed through, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook the beef.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately with rice for a complete meal.
Notes
Note 1: Beef Variations
You can use various cuts of beef suitable for stir-frying such as tenderloin, flank, or sirloin, depending on your preference.
Note 2: Cooking Times
Keep an eye on the cooking time for the beef to ensure it remains tender. Overcooking can lead to a tougher texture.
Note 3: Sauce Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by modifying the amount of honey or soy sauce to suit your taste.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or as part of a stir-fry dish with vegetables.
Cook techniques
Mixing Sauce
In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
High-Temperature Stir-Frying
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke. This high temperature is essential for achieving a good sear on the meat and vegetables.
Quick Cooking of Aromatics
Add minced garlic and sliced onion to the hot oil and stir-fry them for about 1 minute. The goal is to achieve translucent onions while ensuring the garlic does not burn.
Beef Stir-Frying
Introduce the thinly sliced beef to the wok, stir-frying for approximately 1 minute until it’s cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the beef and onions to avoid overcooking.
Reducing Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the wok after removing other ingredients and allow it to simmer for about 1 minute. This process thickens the sauce and develops its flavor.
Tossing Ingredients
Return the beef and onion mixture to the wok, and toss everything in the syrupy sauce for about 1 minute until warmed through. This step incorporates the sauce flavors into the meat and vegetables.
Serving
Serve the stir-fry immediately over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to enhance the rice’s flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of oil for stir-frying?
Yes, you can replace peanut oil with vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce if preferred.
How can I ensure the beef remains tender?
Quick cooking at high heat helps to keep the beef tender. Avoid overcooking it once you remove it from the wok.
Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for more nutrition and flavor.
What type of rice pairs well with this dish?
Jasmine rice or steamed white rice are excellent choices to serve with this savory stir-fry.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful beef stir-fry, enhanced by a savory sauce, is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any weeknight dinner. The balance of sweetness from honey, umami from soy and oyster sauce, and the aromatic kick from the black pepper create a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with rice.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Variation
Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry for an extra crunch and nutrition.
Alternative Proteins
Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source while keeping the same sauce.
Spicy Kick
Incorporate chili paste or fresh sliced chilies into the sauce for a spicy twist that elevates the dish.
Herb Infusion
Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added freshness and color to your stir-fry.
Coconut Rice
Serve the stir-fry over coconut rice for a tropical flavor enhancement that complements the savory sauce.
Rice Noodles
Instead of rice, toss the stir-fry with rice noodles for a delicious noodle-based meal.
Szechuan Style
Add Szechuan peppercorns to the oil for a unique numbing heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the sauce.
