This Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal. The beef is tenderized with baking soda, while a touch of honey balances the savory soy and oyster sauces. Vibrant bell peppers and purple onions not only enhance the dish with vibrant colors but also add a boost of antioxidants. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 500g beef, sliced
- 1 tsp baking soda (to tenderize the beef)
- ¾ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 30-50 ml honey
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 50g ginger, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ chili pepper, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 purple onions, chopped
- Salt and spices for chicken (optional)
- Additional 1 tbsp soy sauce and oyster sauce
- ½ tsp cornstarch (dissolved in a little water)
Directions
Tenderize the Beef:
- Marinate the sliced beef with 1 tsp baking soda for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the beef to remove the baking soda.
Prepare the Marinade: 3. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. 4. Add the beef to the marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Beef: 5. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. 6. Sear the beef slices on both sides for about 3 minutes each. 7. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: 8. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chili pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes. 9. Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped purple onions. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Combine and Finish: 10. Return the beef to the pan and mix well with the vegetables. 11. Season with salt and chicken spices (if using), and add soy sauce and oyster sauce. 12. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. 13. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a wholesome meal. Enjoy!
Exploring the Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
The Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry stands as a perfect example of how basic ingredients can be elevated into a remarkable dish bursting with flavors and nutrients. Combining tenderized beef, a mix of vibrant vegetables, and a richly flavored sauce, this dish seamlessly blends convenience, health, and taste into one satisfying meal. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, making it a staple recipe to have in your culinary repertoire.
The Art of Tenderizing Beef
A key technique in this dish is the tenderization of beef using baking soda. Baking soda is a kitchen secret that helps to break down the meat’s proteins, resulting in a tender texture that rivals that of high-end restaurant dishes. The process involves marinating the beef with a small amount of baking soda, allowing it to soften without compromising its natural flavors. This technique not only enhances the eating experience but also makes leaner cuts of beef more palatable and enjoyable.
After tenderizing, the beef is marinated with a combination of cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. This step infuses the meat with a depth of flavor, balancing salty and sweet notes while adding a glossy finish to the stir-fry. The cornstarch acts as a protective coating, preventing the beef from drying out during cooking and contributing to the dish’s signature silky sauce.
A Symphony of Vegetables
The vibrant mix of bell peppers and purple onions brings both color and nutritional value to this stir-fry. Bell peppers, available in a rainbow of hues, are rich in vitamins A and C, making them an excellent addition for boosting immunity and promoting skin health. Purple onions, on the other hand, offer antioxidants like quercetin, known for their anti-inflammatory and heart-protective properties. The combination of these vegetables not only enhances the dish’s visual appeal but also provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef.
Adding sliced ginger, minced garlic, and a touch of chili elevates the overall flavor profile, imparting warmth and depth. These aromatics are staples in Asian-inspired cuisine, known for their health benefits and ability to complement savory and sweet flavors harmoniously. Ginger, in particular, adds a subtle spicy zing while aiding digestion—a perfect match for the richness of the stir-fry.
Building Layers of Flavor
One of the standout features of this recipe is the carefully crafted sauce. A blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce forms the foundation, delivering a savory umami punch that coats every bite. A hint of honey adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the saltiness and tying together the flavors of the beef and vegetables. The final addition of cornstarch dissolved in water thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the ingredients and enhances the dish’s mouthfeel.
This layered flavor profile reflects the principles of Asian stir-fry cooking, where simplicity meets sophistication. Each component, from the beef marinade to the stir-fry sauce, contributes a distinct element that enriches the overall dish.
Versatility and Serving Suggestions
One of the greatest strengths of the Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is its versatility. While the recipe suggests serving the dish over steamed rice or noodles, it pairs equally well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option. You can also customize the vegetable mix by incorporating seasonal produce such as snap peas, broccoli, or carrots, making it a flexible and adaptable recipe.
For an added layer of flavor, consider garnishing the stir-fry with toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro. A drizzle of sesame oil before serving can also enhance the dish’s nutty aroma, elevating its appeal even further.
A Nutritious Powerhouse
This stir-fry isn’t just about taste—it’s also a nutritious powerhouse. Each serving provides a balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a wholesome meal option. The beef offers high-quality protein and iron, essential for energy production and overall vitality, while the vegetables contribute valuable antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Cooking with minimal oil and relying on natural flavorings like garlic, ginger, and chili keeps the dish relatively low in calories and free from unnecessary additives. For those looking to reduce their sodium intake, using low-sodium soy sauce is an easy way to maintain the dish’s flavor without the extra salt.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Sharing
The Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is more than just a meal—it’s a testament to the beauty of home cooking. By incorporating simple techniques like tenderizing the beef with baking soda and creating a balanced, flavorful sauce, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable dining experience. Its vibrant presentation, healthful qualities, and customizable nature make it a recipe worth adding to any meal plan.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this stir-fry is a surefire way to impress family and friends. Its quick preparation time and universally loved flavors ensure that it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the bold flavors and tender textures redefine your idea of comfort food.
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Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Description
This Tenderized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal. The beef is tenderized with baking soda, while a touch of honey balances the savory soy and oyster sauces. Vibrant bell peppers and purple onions not only enhance the dish with vibrant colors but also add a boost of antioxidants. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 500g beef, sliced
- 1 tsp baking soda (to tenderize the beef)
- 3/4 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 30–50 ml honey
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 50g ginger, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 chili pepper, minced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 purple onions, chopped
- Salt and spices for chicken (optional)
- Additional 1 tbsp soy sauce and oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (dissolved in a little water)
Instructions
Tenderize the Beef:
- Marinate the sliced beef with 1 tsp baking soda for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the beef to remove the baking soda.
Prepare the Marinade: 3. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. 4. Add the beef to the marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Beef: 5. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. 6. Sear the beef slices on both sides for about 3 minutes each. 7. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: 8. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chili pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes. 9. Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped purple onions. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Combine and Finish: 10. Return the beef to the pan and mix well with the vegetables. 11. Season with salt and chicken spices (if using), and add soy sauce and oyster sauce. 12. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. 13. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes