Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a Chinese secret that transforms even the toughest cuts of beef into incredibly tender and juicy bites. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can achieve restaurant-quality beef right at home. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any meal. Let’s dive into the details and get started!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 500-700 grams of beef, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
For Stir-Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bell pepper
For the Salad:
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper
- A bunch of spring onions
- 1 avocado
- ~120 g green peas
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan
- Spatula
- Paper towels
- Whisk
Instructions
Preparing the Beef
- Tenderize the Beef: Place the beef pieces in a mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. This process helps to break down the fibers and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, balsamic vinegar, vegetable oil, and chili sauce. Mix well and set aside.
Cooking the Beef
- Rinse and Dry the Beef: After 30 minutes, rinse the beef well with water to remove the baking soda. Blot away moisture with paper towels.
- Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and fry for 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside. Repeat with any remaining beef.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the onion and bell pepper.
- Stir-Fry: In the same pan, add a bit more vegetable oil if needed. Fry the onion for 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent. Add the bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine: Return the beef to the pan and add the prepared marinade. Mix well and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is fully cooked.
Preparing the Salad
- Chop the Vegetables: Cut the cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, spring onions, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables with green peas.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, and salt to taste until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tender beef hot alongside the fresh and vibrant salad. This combination makes for an incredibly delicious and balanced meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Choices: This method works well with other meats like pork or chicken.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as broccoli, snow peas, or carrots.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes and chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover beef and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a frying pan over medium heat before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different tenderizing method?
Yes, you can use other tenderizing methods like marinating with vinegar or using a meat mallet. However, baking soda is particularly effective and quick.
How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?
Ensure you fry the beef on high heat and for a short amount of time as specified. Overcooking can make the beef tough.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for tender beef and fresh salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients and techniques can create an extraordinary meal. The Chinese secret of using baking soda to tenderize the beef ensures that your meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast. I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do!