Chinese secret to tenderizing meat! Even the toughest meat becomes tender in five minutes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through a Chinese method for tenderizing meat, ensuring even the toughest cuts become tender in just five minutes. By using simple ingredients and techniques, you can elevate your cooking and impress your guests with perfectly tender beef.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients for the marinade and the stir-fry.

Ingredients List

• 800g of beef
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3 crushed garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of chili sauce
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 1 red pepper

Practical Tips

• Choose a tough cut of beef for best results, such as flank or skirt steak.
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Tenderizing the meat begins with the right marinade.

Steps for Marinating

1. Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain. This helps break down tough fibers.
2. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together:
   • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
   • 3 crushed garlic cloves
   • 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
   • 1 teaspoon of salt
   • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
   • 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes
   • 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
   • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
   • 1 tablespoon of chili sauce
3. Add Beef to Marinade: Coat the beef strips thoroughly with the marinade.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the beef to marinate for 5 minutes. This process will tenderize the meat.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not marinate for too long, as baking soda can make the meat mushy if left too long.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetables

While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables for stir-frying.

Steps for Preparing Vegetables

1. Chop Onion: Dice the medium onion.
2. Slice Red Pepper: Cut the red pepper into strips.

Practical Tips

• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Now it’s time to cook the marinated beef.

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the Pan: Add a drizzle of olive oil to a hot pan.
2. Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef strips to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until browned.
3. Add Vegetables: Toss in the chopped onion and sliced red pepper. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.

Practical Tips

• Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the beef to steam instead of sear.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can achieve tender, flavorful beef in just five minutes. Remember to slice against the grain and use the right marinade to maximize tenderness. Enjoy your delicious stir-fry with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Happy cooking!