Cantonese Beef is a flavorful and aromatic dish that highlights the delicate balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors characteristic of Cantonese cuisine. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp vegetables and tossed in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and light, with a delightful mix of textures and a deep, savory flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, Cantonese Beef pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sugar. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables by slicing the onion, bell peppers, and green onions.
- Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the beef to the wok, along with the green onions. Add the beef broth or water and stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- If desired, drizzle with a little sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cantonese Beef hot over steamed rice, garnished with extra green onions if desired.
Cantonese Beef is a delicious and satisfying dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Cantonese cooking. With its tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
