Description
Discover the Chinese secret to making tender, flavorful beef with this easy stir-fry recipe. Featuring a unique baking soda marinade, fresh bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
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 sliced beef in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon baking soda, and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chili sauce. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes or until slightly softened, then set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, cook the beef slices for 2–3 minutes until browned. Return the vegetables to the skillet, pour the sauce over everything, and stir to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes and chili sauce for a milder version.
Additional Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can be added for variety. Just adjust the cooking time to keep them tender-crisp.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
