Flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Water Chestnuts

Flavorful Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Water Chestnuts

This dish is a vibrant and savory stir-fry that brings together tender beef, an assortment of fresh vegetables, and the delightful crunch of water chestnuts. It’s a quick and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a wholesome, satisfying dish with a bit of Asian flair.

Ingredients:

For the beef marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper

For the stir-fry sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked white or brown rice (to serve)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add the sliced onions and cook for 1 minute until they begin to soften.
4. Add broccoli florets, snap peas, red and green bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Add the water chestnuts, and stir for another minute. Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef:

1. In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef and spread it out in an even layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a good color.
2. Stir-fry the beef until it is just cooked through (another 2-3 minutes).

5. Combine and Finish:

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the wok with the beef. Stir well to combine.
2. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and mix everything together.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the wok to thicken the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the beef and vegetables (about 1-2 minutes).

6. Serve:

1. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot over cooked white or brown rice.

Enjoy your flavorful beef and vegetable stir-fry with water chestnuts – a delightful, well-balanced meal that’s sure to impress!