Description
Beef and Snow Pea Stir Fry
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cups snow peas, trimmed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup green peas
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Prep the beef: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Add the beef slices and marinate for 15 minutes.
Cook the beef: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Stir-fry veggies: In the same wok, add another tbsp of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the mushrooms for 2 minutes, then toss in the snow peas and green peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Combine: Return the beef to the wok, tossing everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and well coated with sauce.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 290 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow these detailed steps. First, ensure your beef is partially frozen for 30 minutes before slicing; this makes achieving thin, even slices much easier. While the beef marinates, prepare all your vegetables and have them ready in separate bowls (mise en place). When heating your wok or skillet, wait until the oil is shimmering hot before adding the beef to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming. Cook the beef in a single, uncrowded layer to get proper browning. For the vegetables, add the snow peas and green peas after the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown, ensuring all veggies retain a slight crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile stir-fry pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic presentation, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice. It’s also excellent with lo mein or rice noodles. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. To complete the meal, consider simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup. Leftovers make a fantastic filling for lettuce wraps the next day.
How-to Summary
Thinly slice beef and marinate in a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for 15 minutes. Quickly stir-fry the beef in hot oil until browned, then remove. In the same wok, stir-fry mushrooms, then add snow peas and green peas. Return the beef to the wok, toss everything together until hot, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent, affordable alternatives to sirloin. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How can I make this gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce and oyster sauce with certified gluten-free tamari and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.
My stir-fry is too watery. What happened? This usually occurs if the wok isn’t hot enough or if the vegetables are added while still wet. Pat your sliced mushrooms and washed peas thoroughly dry before cooking.
Can I prepare this in advance? You can marinate the beef and chop all vegetables ahead of time, but cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s a good oyster sauce substitute? If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce mixed with a little extra soy sauce, though the flavor profile will be sweeter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the wok, which steams the ingredients instead of frying them.
- Not getting the wok and oil hot enough before adding the beef.
- Overcooking the vegetables until they become soggy; they should be crisp-tender.
- Using cornstarch directly in the wok instead of in the marinade, which can cause clumping.
- Stirring the beef constantly. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds to develop a flavorful sear.
Conclusion
This Beef and Snow Pea Stir Fry is a testament to how a few simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a reliable, quick, and flavorful dish that delivers on both taste and nutrition. Mastering the high-heat stir-fry technique outlined here will elevate not just this recipe, but all your quick-cooking endeavors. Give it a try for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a regular in your weekly rotation.