Beef Cherry-Yaki
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender beef, sweet cherries, and fresh vegetables, enhanced with savory soy and sherry, perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. partially frozen boneless beef sirloin steak ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups frozen unsweetened pitted dark sweet cherries ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots ⓘ
- 6 green onions ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 2 cups hot cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Combine sherry, soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger root.
- Slice beef thinly and marinate with cherries in the sherry mixture overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, marinate the beef overnight with the cherry and sherry mixture. If you don’t have dry sherry, a splash of red wine vinegar can work as a substitute. For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch, mixing it with a bit of cold water before adding it to the pan. This dish pairs well with hot cooked rice or can also complement a quick sweet and sour chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef Cherry-Yaki over a bed of hot cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions for freshness. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, or consider a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a colorful, nutritious addition. This dish also makes a great filling for wraps or as a topping for salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Cherry-Yaki contains roughly 787 calories, with 16g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2731mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used instead of frozen ones. Just ensure they are pitted and roughly chopped. Fresh cherries will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will work well in this recipe.
What can I substitute for sirloin steak?
You can substitute sirloin steak with flank steak or even chicken breast if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same mixture for added flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Beef Cherry-Yaki can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat when ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).