Stir-fried beef“小炒牛肉”（Xiǎo chǎo niú ròu）.
Stir-fried beefa dish that exudes an enchanting ambiance, is irresistible with its captivating appearance, aroma, and flavors. When it graces the dining table, it seems as if the entire air is permeated with its enticing scent. The alluring stir-fried beef showcases dark brown beef chunks emitting an inviting charred fragrance, adorned with vibrant red chili peppers and fresh green onions that add a hint of vitality. When grasping a piece of stir-fried beef with chopsticks, one can appreciate its texture. Upon taking a bite, one experiences the tenderness of the meat and the explosion of flavorful juices in the mouth. The beef, cooked at high heat, locks in the internal succulence, preserving a soft and tender mouthfeel. With every mouthful, one can savor the robust aroma and subtle savory-sweet taste of the beef. Accompanied by the bright red chili peppers and the refreshing fragrance of green onions, the taste buds oscillate between spiciness and freshness, creating a delightful balance.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 120 min | 5 min | 15 | spicy 、 refreshing | Moderate |
Ingredients for “Stir-fried beef：
| Beef tenderloin | 500g |
| Salt | 5g |
| Baking soda | 5g |
| Pepper powder | 10g |
| Cooking wine | 15g |
| Oyster sauce | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Light soy sauce | 3g |
| Starch | 10g |
| Edible oil | 10g |
| Chopped green onion | 5g |
| Chopped ginger | 5g |
| Minced garlic | 5g |
| Chili paste | 10g |
| Bell pepper | 50g |
| Garlic sprout | 50g |
Steps:
1.Put the beef tenderloin in clean water and gently rub it to ensure that any dirt on the surface is removed. Use a knife to cut the beef tenderloin gradually, following the grain. You can use the natural lines on the beef tenderloin as a guide for the direction of the knife, which makes it easier to slice it into thin pieces. Be careful to keep your fingers at a safe distance and handle with care. After cutting, set the slices aside. Wash the pointed pepper, remove the stem and seeds, and then cut it into segments. Similarly, wash the garlic sprouts, trim off the root end, and cut them into appropriate lengths.
2.Prepare a bowl and place the sliced beef in it. Add a moderate amount of salt to the beef, adjusting the amount according to personal taste. Salt helps enhance the flavor of the beef. Add a little baking soda, which can tenderize the beef by neutralizing the acidity in it. Sprinkle some black pepper powder for a mild spicy and aromatic touch. Pour in cooking wine, which not only removes the gamey taste but also helps make the beef more tender. Add a teaspoon of oyster sauce to enhance the fragrance and depth of the dish. Sprinkle some white sugar to balance the flavors between the seasoning ingredients and add a slight sweetness. Add an appropriate amount of light soy sauce to bring saltiness and color to the dish. Finally, sprinkle a teaspoon of cornstarch, which forms a thin coating on the surface of the beef, ensuring its tenderness. Once all the seasonings are added to the beef, mix well with hands or chopsticks, ensuring that each slice of beef is evenly marinated. Then add a suitable amount of cooking oil to wrap the marinated beef, preventing it from drying out and providing a smooth texture. Cover the bowl or seal it with plastic wrap, and let the marinated beef sit in the refrigerator for about two hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the beef, making it more delicious and flavorful.
3.Prepare a flat-bottomed pan or wok and add an appropriate amount of cooking oil. Adjust the heat to medium-low and wait until the oil temperature reaches around 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the marinated beef evenly in the pan. Stir-fry quickly to evenly heat the beef and maintain its tender texture. Next, add the sliced pointed pepper and garlic sprouts. Continue stir-frying over high heat for 30 seconds to maintain the crispness of the vegetables while thoroughly mixing them with the beef. Then, add chopped green onion, ginger, and garlic, or minced green onion, ginger, and garlic, along with chili sauce. Stir-fry evenly to fully blend the seasonings, adding rich aroma and flavor to the dish. Finally, add a moderate amount of light soy sauce and white sugar. Light soy sauce enhances the umami taste, while white sugar balances the richness of the chili sauce, making the dish more delicious. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to ensure that the seasonings are well incorporated, coating the beef and vegetables uniformly. When the beef becomes tender and juicy, and the vegetables are cooked through while still maintaining some crispiness, releasing an enticing aroma and vibrant colors, it is ready to be served!
Tips:
- Marinating time: Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, to allow the seasonings to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing its texture and flavor.
- Retaining sauce: If you prefer a saucier version of the dish, you can add some broth, light soy sauce, or water. This will add more depth to the dish and help the seasonings penetrate into the ingredients.
Stir-fried beef is not just a delicious dish but also an embodiment of warmth and familial love. Whether for family gatherings or friends’ feasts, stir-fried beef always brings laughter and intimate connections. Each bite evokes nostalgia for home and a passion for gastronomy. It represents the chefs’ dedication and pursuit of culinary excellence. Stir-fried beef is not just a dish; it embodies a culture and the beauty of life. It carries the wisdom and creativity of the chefs, as well as our collective quest for good food. Wherever we are, stir-fried beef ignites our desire for delicious cuisine and allows us to experience the power of food and emotional resonance. Let’s savor the charm of stir-fried beef, indulge in its satisfaction and happiness. Whether it’s the spiciness, the rich aroma, or the vibrant colors, stir-fried beef will always