Introduction
This delicious stir-fry recipe brings together tender marinated beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce, creating a meal bursting with flavor. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouthwatering meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the beef marinade:
– 300g (10½ oz) rib-eye or rump steak
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– A pinch of Chinese five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
For the sauce:
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice wine
– Approximately 5 tablespoons chicken stock, water, beer, or lager
For the stir-fry:
– 2 teaspoons salted fermented black soybeans
– 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 3 cm (1¼ inch) piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
– ½ brown onion, sliced
– ½ green or red pepper, sliced
– 1 spring onion, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish (optional)
– 3 cavolo nero or kale leaves, roughly chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Chopped fresh coriander, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the beef:
Flatten the beef slices using a meat mallet, the side of a heavy knife, or a rolling pin, then finely slice into strips. In a small bowl, mix together the sesame oil, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, and cornflour. Place the beef in a large bowl and massage the marinade into the meat until well covered, ensuring no sauce remains at the bottom of the bowl.
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and your choice of chicken stock, water, beer, or lager. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the black bean mixture:
Place the fermented black soybeans in a small bowl and cover with boiling water (about 2–3 tablespoons). Let them soak for about 10 minutes. Drain through a sieve, then crush the beans in a mortar and pestle with the garlic and ginger until you have a coarse paste. Transfer back to the bowl.
Stir-fry the vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until smoking hot. Add the onions, peppers, and spring onion. Cook for 1 minute, then add the cavolo nero or kale and continue to stir-fry for another minute. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl to make space for the beef.
Cook the beef:
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok and heat until smoking hot. Add the marinated beef to the wok, pressing down with a spatula to separate the pieces. Allow the beef to sear for 30 seconds to 1 minute without turning, then flip and sear the other side in the same manner.
Combine and finish:
Once the beef is browned on both sides, add the black bean mixture and stir-fry for 1 minute. Return the cooked vegetables to the wok. Ensure the wok is at high heat before pouring in the prepared sauce. Bring to a vigorous boil and cook while stirring for another minute.
Serve:
Garnish with additional spring onion or fresh coriander, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Meat Selection:
Rib-eye or rump steak are ideal for this recipe, providing tenderness and flavor.
Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to substitute any vegetables as per your preference or seasonal availability.
Storage Tips:
The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Garnishing:
Fresh coriander and chopped spring onions enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the beef. Combine the marinade ingredients, massage into the beef, and allow it to absorb the flavors for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Soaking Fermented Black Soybeans
Soak the salted fermented black soybeans in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften them. This process prepares them for crushing and enhances their flavor for the stir-fry.
Stir-frying
Stir-fry at high heat to quickly cook ingredients while retaining their texture and color. Always ensure the wok is smoking hot before adding oil and other ingredients for optimal results.
Searing
Sear the beef on high heat without moving it for the first 30 seconds to 1 minute. This allows the meat to develop a nice crust, enhancing the flavor.
Combining Ingredients
After browning the beef, combine it with the black bean mixture and stir-fried vegetables. Adding the sauce at high heat helps to thicken it quickly and coat all components evenly.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef instead of rib-eye or rump steak?
Yes, other cuts such as sirloin or flank steak may also work well, but they may require different cooking times to achieve the desired tenderness.
What can I substitute for fermented black soybeans?
If you can’t find fermented black soybeans, you can use black bean paste or mashed black beans, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Can I prepare the marinade and sauce in advance?
Yes, both the marinade and sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight to enhance the flavors.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check the ingredients of other sauces and stock you may use.
What vegetables can I use instead of kale or cavolo nero?
You can replace kale or cavolo nero with other leafy greens such as bok choy, Swiss chard, or spinach, depending on availability and preference.
Conclusion
This tasty stir-fry dish combines tender beef marinated in a savory mix of Asian flavors, complemented by an array of vibrant vegetables. The fermented black soybeans, along with the ginger and garlic, create a rich, umami-packed base that elevates the dish. Whether enjoyed over a bed of rice or alone, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
For a classic combination, substitute cavolo nero with fresh broccoli florets, offering a crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the marinated beef.
Spicy Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes for an extra kick, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile and catering to spice lovers.
Vegetable-Loaded Stir-Fry
Include additional vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or baby corn for a colorful and nutrient-rich dish that adds variety.
Beef Fried Rice
Use leftover stir-fry to create a delicious fried rice by sautéing with day-old rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for a hearty meal.
Beef Tacos with Asian Slaw
Transform the stir-fried beef into tacos by serving it in corn tortillas topped with a crunchy slaw made from cabbage, mint, and lime dressing.
