Chinese Beef And Pea Pods
A flavorful Chinese beef and pea pod stir-fry featuring tender sliced steak, fresh vegetables, and savory soy sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal for any beef lover.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. steak, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Accent powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. oil
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the sliced steak for 1 hour in soy sauce, Accent powder, ginger, and garlic.
- Put 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan; add the marinated meat and brown lightly. Remove from the pan.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the pan; add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and drained sliced water chestnuts. Cook for 2 minutes, tossing constantly.
- Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, salt, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and garlic. Simmer, covered, for 3 minutes.
- Blend 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with sugar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, Accent, and 1 cup chicken broth. Cook until thickened.
- Add the cooked meat and pea pods to the sauce. Heat through but do not overcook.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the steak overnight. You can substitute beef with chicken for a lighter option or use tofu for a vegetarian version. If you don't have Accent powder, a sprinkle of MSG or just extra salt can work. Fresh snap peas can replace pea pods for a crunchier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Egg Flower Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider serving with a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid reheating too long to keep the beef tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Beef And Pea Pods contains roughly 1535 calories, with 5g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% 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 frozen pea pods instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen pea pods, but be sure to thaw them before adding to the dish. They may cook faster than fresh ones, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I do if I don’t have soy sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option. Both will provide a similar umami flavor to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce when sautéing the vegetables. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
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).