Honan Beef
Honan Beef is a flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender beef and crisp vegetables, infused with soy, ginger, and garlic, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean beef round ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 bunch scallions, cut into 1-inch lengths ⓘ
- 1 c. carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. celery, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper flakes
- 1 (6 oz.) can button mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. toasted whole blanched almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice beef paper thin into long strips.
- In a bowl, mix beef, soy sauce, sherry, and garlic; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- In a large skillet, heat oil until it sizzles.
- Remove beef from bowl and stir-fry in skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned.
- Add marinade from beef and remaining ingredients, including pepper flakes to taste.
- Stir-fry over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Serve over hot rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, consider marinating it overnight instead of just one hour. You can substitute the lean beef with chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile. If you want to add more crunch, try including bell peppers or snap peas. Adjust the hot pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, or use fresh chili for a milder heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Honan Beef over a bed of hot rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. This dish also complements well with a side of spring rolls or dumplings. Browse more Chinese recipes for additional pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the beef tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honan Beef contains roughly 1598 calories, with 45g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (230% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lean beef round, you can easily substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring its unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more hot pepper flakes or include fresh chopped chili peppers during the stir-fry. You can also serve the dish with a side of chili oil or a hot sauce to let everyone adjust the spice to their liking.
What vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?
You can customize the vegetable mix based on your preference. Bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy would work well in this dish. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking, and add them according to their cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender yet crisp.
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).