Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers! This Beef and Flat Bean Stir-Fry is not just another recipe – it's a quick, mouthwatering explosion of flavors that brings the authentic taste of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced thinly
- 2 cups flat beans, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thinly slicing the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips. This ensures tender meat that cooks quickly.
- Wash and trim the flat beans, removing any tough ends. Cut them into 2-inch diagonal pieces for even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Mince the garlic and ginger finely to release their aromatic flavors. Combine soy sauce and oyster sauce in a small bowl for the stir fry marinade.
- In a medium bowl, marinate the beef slices with half of the sauce mixture for 10 minutes at room temperature. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
- Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the cooking surface.
- Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, add remaining oil and immediately add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add flat beans to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly crisp.
- Return the beef to the wok, add remaining sauce, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Tips
- Meat Preparation is Key: Always slice beef against the grain and as thinly as possible. This ensures maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- High Heat is Essential: Use a wok or heavy skillet and cook on high heat to achieve that classic stir-fry sear and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Mise en Place Matters: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying moves quickly, and you won't have time to prep mid-cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef and vegetables in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and crisp flat beans for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinating Tip: Even a short 10-minute marinade can dramatically improve the beef's tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so have your rice or side dishes ready before you start cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
