Chinese Beef Steak

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

Chinese Beef Steak features tender, thinly sliced beef cooked in a savory sauce with ginger, garlic, soy, and butter, delivering rich flavors perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fillet steak
  • 1 tsp. M-retsin
  • 2 Tbsp. brandy or wine
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. thin strips green ginger or 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic, chopped
  • 6 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

  1. Cut the steak into 1 1/2 to 1/8-inch thick very thin slices.
  2. Season the beef slices with soy sauce, sugar, wine, M-retsin, and cornstarch; mix well to coat evenly.
  3. Heat a skillet and brown chopped ginger and garlic in butter.
  4. Add the seasoned meat strips to the skillet and brown them.
  5. Pour in the sauce from step 2 and heat through before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have M-retsin, consider using a mixture of oyster sauce and a touch of sesame oil for a similar umami boost. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade. This dish works well with thinly sliced vegetables like bell peppers or Snow Peas(Edible Pea Pods) for a colorful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chinese Beef Steak over a bed of steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Pork Steak for a delightful contrast of flavors. For a refreshing side, consider a simple cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar. This dish also goes well with a light soy sauce dipping sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture during reheating, ensuring the beef remains tender.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chinese Beef Steak contains roughly 236 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

236 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.9g 2% DV
Total Fat 23.2g 30% DV
Carbs 5.9g 2% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.2g

Electrolytes

Sodium 532.4mg 23% DV
Potassium 40.6mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 67.5mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2.7mg
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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, while fillet steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can use flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure to slice it thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness. Marinating longer can also help tougher cuts become more flavorful and tender.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan. Follow the same marinating and cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed since tofu and seitan cook faster than beef. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this Chinese recipe.

How can I make this dish spicy?

To add some heat, incorporate sliced fresh chilies or a teaspoon of chili paste into the marinade. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance, and enjoy a deliciously spicy twist on this classic dish!

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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