Tender & Juicy HUNAN BEEF STIR-FRY
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the process of making a delicious and tender Hunan beef stir-fry, inspired by the video from Spice it with Liz. This dish features a savory combination of beef, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before cooking, gather and prepare all necessary ingredients.
Ingredients Needed:
- Beef: Sirloin, thinly sliced
- Vegetables:
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Green onions
- Onions
- Aromatics:
- Minced ginger
- Minced garlic
- Dried red chilies
- Fresh red chilies
Tips:
- Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Chop vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the beef, marinate it with the following ingredients.
Marinade Ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
Marinade Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the marinade ingredients.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For better results, marinate it longer if possible.
Tips:
- Baking soda helps to tenderize the beef, making it juicier.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Mix
Create a flavorful sauce to enhance your stir-fry.
Sauce Mix Ingredients:
- Beef broth
- Dark soy sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sriracha
- Sweetener (such as stevia)
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
Sauce Mix Instructions:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all sauce mix ingredients until well combined.
- Set aside for later use in the stir-fry.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Now it's time to cook the beef.
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer.
- Stir-fry for a few minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Tips:
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, cook the vegetables to retain their crunch.
Cooking Instructions:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and chilies. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced ginger and garlic, and continue to stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Bring everything together for a delicious stir-fry.
Final Instructions:
- Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared sauce mix over the beef and vegetables.
- Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Tips:
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cornstarch dissolved in water if necessary.
Conclusion
You've now created a flavorful and tender Hunan beef stir-fry! Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or spice levels to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and check out more recipes at Spice it with Liz!