Description
Discover the secret to tenderizing even the toughest cuts of beef with this quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired stir-fry recipe. Using baking soda to soften the beef and a vibrant sauce with garlic, chili, and balsamic vinegar, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add crunch and color, complementing the tender beef perfectly.
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 to coat the beef evenly and let it sit for 15 minutes. This process helps break down proteins, making the beef more tender. Afterward, rinse the beef thoroughly under cold water to remove excess baking soda, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chili sauce. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed. Set this flavorful sauce 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 for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Cook the Beef: Using the same skillet, add the prepared beef slices and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Serve: Transfer the tender beef and vegetables to serving plates and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the beef thoroughly after marinating with baking soda to prevent any residual taste.
- You can adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- For even more tender meat, slice beef very thinly against the grain.
- This recipe works well with sirloin or flank steak, but other tougher cuts can be used if thinly sliced.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
