Description
Discover the secret to making tender, flavorful beef in just minutes with this Chinese-inspired stir-fry recipe. Using a simple baking soda tenderizing technique and a vibrant sauce, this dish transforms tough cuts like sirloin or flank steak into a deliciously soft and succulent meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Marinade
- 500g (1 pound) beef (sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Stir-Fry Ingredients
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ green bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1 large clove garlic, minced (or 2 small cloves)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
- Tenderize the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the baking soda to soften the meat. After resting, rinse the beef thoroughly under cold water to remove any residue and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chili sauce until fully combined. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes or until they become slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Using the same skillet, add the prepared beef slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides. Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve the tender beef and vegetable stir-fry hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Baking soda is the key ingredient to tenderizing the beef quickly; do not skip this step.
- Make sure to rinse the beef well after marinating to avoid any baking soda taste.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Use thinly sliced beef to ensure quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- For a gluten-free option, verify that the chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.
