Chinese cuisine is known for its rich flavors, varied textures, and beautiful balance of savory, sweet, spicy, and sour elements. Beef, while not as commonly used as pork or chicken in Chinese cooking, holds a significant place in many regional dishes. From tender stir-fries to hearty stews, Chinese beef recipes showcase the versatility of beef in creating comforting and flavorful meals. In this article, we’ll explore six delicious and easy-to-make Chinese beef recipes that bring out the best of beef in Chinese cuisine.
6 Chinese Beef Recipes
1. Beef with Broccoli
Beef with broccoli is a quintessential Chinese-American dish, loved by many for its simplicity, deliciousness, and nutritional value. This stir-fry recipe combines thinly sliced beef with fresh broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. The dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. The balance of flavors and textures — tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a flavorful sauce — makes this dish a favorite in many households.
Ingredients:
- 200g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil to create a marinade for the beef. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the marinated beef and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
Add the broccoli to the pan and stir to combine with the beef. Pour in the oyster sauce, sugar, and water. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve hot with steamed rice, and enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish.
2. Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a sweet and savory dish with crispy beef strips, tender green onions, and a sauce that’s a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. This dish is popular in many Chinese-American restaurants, and its deep flavor and hearty texture make it a fan favorite.
Ingredients:
- 200g flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is well mixed.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until the beef is browned and crispy on the edges.
Add the green onions to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they become tender.
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring to coat the beef and onions. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes (if using) for added heat, then serve the Mongolian beef over steamed rice.
3. Beef and Peppers Stir-Fry
Beef and peppers stir-fry is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines tender beef with a variety of colorful bell peppers. The stir-fry sauce features soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar to create a well-balanced, slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the beef.
Ingredients:
- 200g beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the sliced beef to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy this vibrant and tasty dish.
4. Beef with Black Bean Sauce
Beef with black bean sauce is a savory and aromatic dish that combines tender beef with fermented black beans, ginger, and garlic. The sauce made from fermented black beans adds a deep umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef. This dish is a great choice for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors in their meals.
Ingredients:
- 200g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water to create the sauce. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, stirring until fragrant.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
Add the fermented black beans to the beef, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute to allow the beans to infuse their flavor into the beef.
Pour the sauce over the beef and black beans. Stir to coat, and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens.
Serve the beef with black bean sauce over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
5. Braised Beef with Potatoes
Braised beef with potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cold weather. The beef is slowly cooked in a flavorful broth with potatoes, carrots, and various spices, resulting in tender meat and a rich, savory sauce. This dish is ideal for a family dinner, as it is filling and nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef brisket, cut into chunks
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil and brown the beef brisket on all sides.
Add the soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, ginger, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot, and continue simmering for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the beef is fully cooked.
Serve hot with steamed rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
6. Sichuan Beef with Chili Peppers
Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold, spicy, and numbing flavors. Sichuan beef with chili peppers features tender beef stir-fried with dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, creating a dish that is both fiery and numbing. The combination of heat from the chilies and the numbing sensation from the peppercorns makes this a truly unique dish.
Ingredients:
- 200g beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1/4 cup dried chili peppers
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and chili paste to create the sauce.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and Sichuan peppercorns, cooking until fragrant.
Add the dried chili peppers and cook for another minute.
Add the sliced beef to the pan and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve the Sichuan beef with steamed rice for a fiery and flavorful meal.
Conclusion
These six Chinese beef recipes are just a glimpse of the delicious and diverse ways beef can be prepared in Chinese cuisine. From the sweet and savory Mongolian beef to the bold and spicy Sichuan beef, each dish brings its own unique flavor profile and texture. Whether you prefer stir-fries or braised dishes, these recipes provide a variety of options to suit your tastes and make your next Chinese meal unforgettable.
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