Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of China! This Beef with Chinese Pea Pods recipe is not just a meal - it's a quick, delicious adventure that combines tender, succulent beef with crisp, fresh pea pods in a sauce that will make your mouth water. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and spectacular!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced thinly
- 2 cups Chinese pea pods
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of thinly sliced beef, 2 cups of Chinese pea pods, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the beef is marinating, rinse the Chinese pea pods under cold water and trim the ends, removing any tough strings if necessary. Set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and allow it to heat until shimmering.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to sear. Then stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Next, add the Chinese pea pods to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Finally, pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and toss everything together to combine. Cook for an additional minute to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the beef with Chinese pea pods hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Use a hot wok or skillet to achieve that authentic stir-fry sear and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
- Don't overcook the pea pods - they should remain bright green and crisp for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep all ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly and requires your full attention.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture - stir-fried dishes are always best enjoyed fresh and hot!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
