If you love beef and Chinese cuisine, you're in for a treat! These five beef recipes are packed with flavor and sure to impress. From the classic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry that's easy to whip up, to the spicy kick of Szechuan Spicy Beef, there's something for everyone. Plus, Mongolian Beef adds a sweet twist, while Braised Beef Noodles offer cozy comfort. Ready to uncover the bold flavors of Beef with Black Bean Sauce? Let's get cooking!
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all tossed in a savory sauce that boosts the flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, as it can be prepared in under 30 minutes while still delivering a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and delightful experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then, add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown. Once the beef is nearly cooked, add the broccoli florets and continue to stir-fry for another 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet crisp.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth to create the sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring well to coat the beef and broccoli.
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving over rice or noodles.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with extra flavor.
Additionally, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry.
Remember to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as stir-frying is a quick cooking process!
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a popular dish known for its savory flavors and tender meat. This delicious stir-fry features slices of beef cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce. The dish is typically served over a bed of rice or noodles, making it a fulfilling meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.
With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, Mongolian Beef is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes, then pour this mixture into the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Add the chopped green onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and tenderness, make sure to slice the flank steak against the grain. You can also marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes prior to cooking to improve its texture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply increase the amount of cornstarch, or let the sauce simmer for a bit longer before adding the beef back in. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, and serve the dish with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Szechuan Spicy Beef
Szechuan Spicy Beef is a tantalizing dish that brings the fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine to your table. Known for its bold spices and vibrant colors, this recipe features tender beef stir-fried with a medley of vegetables, all coated in a rich and spicy sauce.
Perfect for those who love heat, this dish can be served over steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 2-3 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Return the beef to the pan, and add the Szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar.
Stir everything together well, allowing the sauce to coat the beef and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through, then garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Extra Tips
To improve the flavor of the Szechuan Spicy Beef, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with additional flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice tolerance, and feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more color and texture. Finally, serve the dish immediately after cooking for the best taste, as the beef will retain its tenderness and the vegetables will remain crisp.
Braised Beef Noodles
Braised Beef Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with aromatic spices and chewy noodles, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. This dish highlights the rich flavors of braised beef, complemented by a savory broth and the satisfying texture of the noodles.
With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can prepare a delicious bowl of Braised Beef Noodles that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef shank or brisket, cut into chunks
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 package of egg noodles or wheat noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat and sear the chunks of beef until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pot, add garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick, sautéing until fragrant. Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, water, soy sauces, rice wine, and sugar.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Serve the braised beef over the noodles, ladling the flavorful broth on top, and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a few hours before cooking.
You can also adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences, adding more chili or reducing the sugar for a spicier or less sweet broth.
If you have time, making the dish a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and simply reheat it before serving.
Enjoy experimenting with different types of noodles or adding vegetables like bok choy or carrots for added nutrition and flavor!
Beef With Black Bean Sauce
Beef with Black Bean Sauce is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender strips of beef with a savory and slightly salty black bean sauce, resulting in a flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion.
This dish is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The bold flavors of the black bean sauce, paired with fresh vegetables, create a delicious balance that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch, mixing well to coat the meat.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Return the beef to the pan, add the mashed black beans, beef broth, and sugar. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
You can also customize this dish by incorporating other vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry.
Finally, confirm your wok or skillet is hot enough before adding the beef to achieve that perfect sear, enhancing the comprehensive taste and texture of the dish.