Transform tough pieces of meat into tasty and tender dishes with this easy Chinese method. By using a unique way of marinating, you can quickly achieve the tenderness found in restaurant-quality dishes. In this guide, you will discover how to make tough cuts of beef tender and delicious.
List of ingredients:
1 pound of beef (flank, chuck, or any tough type of meat)
1 small spoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine or dry sherry
1 spoon of cornstarch
1 small spoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of water
1 tablespoon of oil made from plants
Directions:
Get the beef ready:
Slice the meat into small pieces, cutting it thinly in the opposite direction of the fibers.
Place some baking soda in a bowl and mix it with the beef slices until they are fully covered. Let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This process helps to soften the meat by breaking down its fibers.
Wash and soak:
After letting it sit with baking soda, rinse thoroughly with cold water to get rid of any leftover baking soda.
Use paper towels to remove any liquid from the beef strips.
Mix together soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sugar, and water in a bowl. Mix until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely in the mixture.
Put the beef slices in the marinade, making sure they are well covered.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but for better flavor, cover it and put it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
How to prepare beef.
Warm up some vegetable oil in a large pan or wok on high heat.
When it’s hot, put in the marinated beef slices in a single layer.Do not put too much in the pan. If needed, cook in smaller groups.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
Take the meat out of the pan and put it to the side. Repeat with any more beef that is left.
Tips for Success Cut the meat into thin slices against the direction of the fibers to make it more tender.
Baking soda is necessary to tenderize tough meat fibers.
Marinating: The longer you leave the beef in the marinade, the better it will taste and feel.
Benefits for your health:
Beef is a good source of energy and helps muscles grow and heal because it is rich in protein, iron, and important nutrients.
Reducing the amount of salt in this dish can be achieved by using low-sodium soy sauce exclusively.
Healthy Oils: Use healthier oils such as olive oil or avocado oil when cooking.
Nutrition Facts (Per serving)
Protein: 23 grams
Fat content: 15 grams
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar content: 2 grams
Different options and replacements:
Meat Substitutes – This method of making meat tender also works with other types of meat like chicken, pork, or lamb.
– Marinade Flavors – Include garlic, ginger, or the spices you like to personalize your marinade.
Vegetarian Choice: You can use marinade on tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian option.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Which types of steak work well with this cooking technique? Yes, but it’s usually not needed. This method is excellent for tough cuts of meat that require more softening.
Q: Can I use something else instead of baking soda? You can use papaya or pineapple juice instead of baking soda because they have natural enzymes that help tenderize meat.
Q: Is it okay to let the beef soak in the marinade overnight? A: Yes, you can put the beef in the fridge while marinating overnight to make the flavor stronger. Just remember to rinse off the baking soda after twenty minutes.
A: How can I keep leftover food fresh? A: Store any leftover cooked beef in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.
Final thoughts:
You will learn how to cook tasty dishes with tough beef quickly using this simple Chinese technique. This great pork tenderloin recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients and simple instructions. Give it a try the next time you cook stir fry or any other beef dish and receive compliments from your family!