How to Make Beef and Garlic Stir Fry
Few dishes encapsulate the essence of a quick yet satisfying meal like a Beef and Garlic Stir Fry. This dish marries tender strips of beef with the robust flavor of garlic, resulting in a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. Beyond its mouth-watering appeal, this stir fry is also a nutritional powerhouse, offering a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
How to Make Beef and Garlic Stir Fry
Course: BeefDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes195
kcalBeef and Garlic Stir Fry
Ingredients
400g or 14.1 0Z Beef
2 bulbs of garlic
½ Green pepper ½ Red pepper
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light soy
1 tsp 13-spice seasoning
garlic pepper
drizzle of sesame oil
Directions
- Heat pan and add beef with garlic and pepper, cook until meat browns or about 5 minutes
- remove beef from pan, add a little more oil add garlic cloves cook for 1 minute
- Re-add beef add your oyster sauce, light soy, and 13 spice
- add your peppers cook for another 2-3 minutes
- Finish with a drizzle or 1 tsp of sesame oil, serve with rice!
Recipe Video
Notes
- don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Please watch the video join and comment on our channel. Enjoy!
Essential Ingredients
To create the perfect Beef and Garlic Stir Fry, selecting the right ingredients is paramount. Start with the beef. Opt for cuts like sirloin or flank steak, which are tender and absorb flavors well. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable. Its aromatic pungency is the cornerstone of the dish. Complement these with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and onions, which add color, crunch, and a nutritional boost. Spices like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil elevate the dish to new heights.
Preparing the Ingredients
Proper preparation sets the foundation for a flawless stir fry. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and quick cooking. Mince the garlic finely to maximize its flavor release during cooking. Vegetables should be chopped uniformly, allowing for even cooking and an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Each ingredient should be prepped and ready before you heat your wok.
Marinating the Beef
Marinating the beef is a critical step that infuses it with flavor and tenderness. A well-crafted marinade might include soy sauce, a hint of sugar, a splash of rice wine, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Allow the beef to soak in these flavors for at least 15 minutes. The longer the marination, the deeper the flavors permeate, resulting in a more sumptuous dish.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of stir-frying is key to achieving that restaurant-quality dish at home. Begin with a hot wok; it should be almost smoking before you add the oil. This ensures that the beef sears instantly, locking in juices and creating a caramelized exterior. Stir-frying is a rapid process that requires constant motion. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to keep the ingredients moving, ensuring they cook evenly without burning.
Bringing It All Together
Combining the ingredients seamlessly requires timing and precision. Start by cooking the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the wok, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Remove the beef, then quickly stir-fry the garlic until fragrant before adding the vegetables. The beef is reintroduced to the wok at the end, just long enough to heat through and meld with the vegetables and sauces. This technique preserves the integrity and texture of each component.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Beef and Garlic Stir Fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside a heap of noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a burst of color and extra flavor. A side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory stir fry.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting the spice level to suit your preference can personalize your dish. Add a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of chili paste for heat. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms, ensuring to replicate the marinating and stir-frying techniques to maintain the dish’s integrity. Experiment with different vegetables and sauces to keep the dish exciting and diverse.
Beef and Garlic Stir Fry is a versatile and delightful dish that, with the right techniques and ingredients, can become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating it and the joy it brings to the table.