Cantonese Beef

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A savory Cantonese beef dish featuring tender strips of beef in a flavorful gravy, complemented by red peppers, chestnuts, and green onions for a satisfying meal suitable for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 lb. round steak, cut into thin strips
  • 1 1/2 c. water
  • 1 pkg. brown gravy mix
  • 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 red pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 (8 oz.) can sliced chestnuts, drained
  • 4 green onions, sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Brown beef in oil in a large skillet about 5 minutes.
  2. Combine water, gravy mix, soy sauce, and ginger.
  3. Add red pepper, water chestnuts, and green onions.
  4. Bring to a full boil.
  5. Stir in rice, cover, and remove from heat.
  6. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal tenderness, slice the round steak against the grain and marinate it briefly in soy sauce before cooking. If you don't have brown gravy mix, you can create a quick substitute using flour, beef broth, and seasonings. Feel free to add more vegetables like snap peas or carrots for additional color and nutrition, making it similar to Stir-Fry Vegetables And Rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cantonese Beef over a bed of fluffy rice, such as Betty'S Chinese Rice, for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial dinner, consider adding a small bowl of hot and sour soup to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the beef mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen; just ensure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cantonese Beef contains roughly 689 calories, with 20g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), iron (88% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2962mg per serving (129% of the Daily Value).

689 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.3g 41% DV
Total Fat 11.5g 15% DV
Carbs 132.5g 48% DV
Fiber 12.7g 45% DV
Sugar 7.2g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2962mg 100% DV
Potassium 1423.9mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 128.4mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 84mg 93% DV
Calcium 157.5mg 12% DV
Iron 15.8mg 88% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Soy

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 a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute round steak with flank steak or sirloin for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just ensure to slice it thinly and consider marinating it for added tenderness. Each cut will provide a unique taste while still complementing the other ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Cantonese Beef is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions. It reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. Just be sure to keep the rice separate until you’re ready to eat.

What can I use as a vegetarian alternative?

For a vegetarian version, consider using tofu or seitan as a protein substitute. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the dish's texture and flavor. This adaptation can easily transform the recipe into a delicious vegan dish, perfect for those exploring vegan recipes.

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).

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