Description
Transform even the toughest cuts of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with this quick and easy Tender Beef in 5 Minutes recipe! Using a Chinese secret technique, this flavorful stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights and will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Ingredients
- 500 grams of beef, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Tenderize the Beef:
- Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda evenly over the beef and toss to coat all the pieces.
- Let the beef sit for 15–20 minutes. This step softens the fibers in the meat, ensuring a tender texture.
-
Rinse and Dry the Beef:
- Rinse the beef thoroughly under cold running water to remove the baking soda.
- Pat the beef completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture during cooking.
-
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, sugar, wine vinegar, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss until all the pieces are coated.
- Let the beef marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the pan.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the beef is browned on the edges and cooked through.
-
Add Final Flavors:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of chili sauce and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, tossing the beef to coat it evenly in the sauce.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the beef to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.
- Serve as is or pair with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cut Against the Grain: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures shorter muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
- Control the Spice: Adjust the chili flakes and chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be stir-fried along with the beef for a colorful, nutrient-packed dish.
- Meal Prep Tip: Tenderize and marinate the beef ahead of time to save cooking time later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese