Craving a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This beef and pea pod stir-fry recipe is your answer. It’s packed with tender beef, vibrant pea pods, and a savory sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Gently toss to coat the beef evenly. This helps the beef to brown beautifully and retain moisture. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Stir-frying the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Building the Stir-fry:
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Add the red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Don't overcook the bell pepper; you want it to retain its crispness.
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Add the sugar snap peas and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
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Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases the aromatic oils from the garlic and ginger, enhancing the overall flavour.
Creating the Sauce and Combining:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Make sure the honey is fully dissolved.
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Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Return the beef to the wok. Stir gently to combine everything and coat the beef and vegetables in the delicious sauce.
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Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. If you prefer a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during this stage.
Tips for the Best Beef and Pea Pod Stir-Fry:
- Thinly sliced beef cooks faster: Using thinly sliced beef is key for achieving that perfect stir-fry texture. If you have thicker slices, try to pound them slightly to even out the thickness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Stir-frying works best when you have enough space in the pan for the ingredients to brown properly. If necessary, work in batches.
- Fresh ingredients make a difference: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly elevate the flavor of your stir-fry.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Change the protein: Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for the beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This beef and pea pod stir-fry is a healthy and delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It's a perfect quick dinner idea, a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan, and a testament to the ease and satisfaction of homemade cooking. Enjoy!