The Best Chinese Beef Stir Fry Recipe (Onion and Pepper Steak)
# Authentic Chinese Beef Stir-Fry: A Quick and Delicious Recipe from Shaanxi Province
## Introduction
Welcome to Soup Top Recipes with Mandy! Today, we are thrilled to share an easy and flavorful Chinese beef stir-fry that originates from the northwest of China, specifically Shaanxi Province. Renowned for its bold spices and succulent meat, this dish promises a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice. Let’s dive into the recipe!
## Ingredients
### For the Beef Marinate:
- **1 lb (450g) beef strips or other cuts like chuck, flank steak, or seoin**
- **1 tbsp soy sauce**
- **1 tbsp oyster sauce**
- **2 tsp brown sugar**
- **½ tsp dark soy sauce**
- **¼ tsp baking soda**
### For the Vegetables:
- **½ sweet onion**, peeled and thinly sliced
- **5 cloves garlic**, smashed and peeled
- **Green chilies** (or bell peppers for less spice), lightly smashed and cut diagonally
### For the Flavor Profile:
- **1 tsp ground black pepper**
- **2 tsp red chili flakes** (smoked paprika can be used as an alternative)
- **Raw cumin seeds**
- **Raw sesame seeds**
## Preparation
### Preparing the Beef:
Begin by slicing the beef into thin strips. Ensure to remove any tough silver skin for optimal tenderness. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and baking soda to create a marinade. Coat the beef slices thoroughly and let them marinate.
### Preparing the Vegetables:
Peel and slice the onion thinly. Smash and peel the garlic cloves. Lightly smash the green chilies or bell peppers and cut them diagonally. You can choose to remove seeds if you prefer less heat.
## Cooking Process
1. **Roasting Spices:**
Heat a dry wok over low heat and add raw cumin and sesame seeds. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat if already roasted.
2. **High Heat Searing:**
Turn the heat to high, allowing the wok to smoke hot. This step is crucial as it ensures a non-stick layer on the wok’s surface, promoting smooth cooking and enhancing flavors through searing.
3. **Cooking the Beef:**
Stir-fry the beef for about 2 minutes until charred. Drizzle Chinese cooking wine around the edges to deglaze the pan, then add onions, chilies, and garlic. Stir for 1-1/2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
4. **Adding Spices:**
Incorporate ground black pepper, red chili flakes, roasted cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Continue frying for another 30 seconds to meld flavors.
## Conclusion
This authentic Shaanxi-style beef stir-fry is a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The dish comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
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Thank you for cooking with Mandy! Until next time, happy stir-frying!