Classic Cashew Beef is a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that combines tender strips of beef with crunchy cashews and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the richness of the beef complemented by the nutty crunch of cashews and the freshness of bell peppers and broccoli. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, ties everything together beautifully, making this a go-to recipe for a quick and flavorful dinner. Served over steamed rice, Classic Cashew Beef is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables and bring it to a simmer.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the cashews. Stir everything together until the beef and vegetables are well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the Classic Cashew Beef over steamed rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Classic Cashew Beef is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving a satisfying meal. With its combination of tender beef, crunchy cashews, and savory sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a favorite in your home.
