Pea Pods With Beef
A quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef, sweet pea pods, and crunchy celery in a savory sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4 x 3-inch strips.
- Mix the sliced steak with soy sauce and set aside.
- In a hot skillet, cook minced garlic in peanut oil until fragrant.
- Add the steak to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sprinkle salt over the pan, then add pea pods and sliced celery; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup water, pepper, and sugar.
- Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Add the cooked steak back to the skillet, sprinkle with red wine or sherry, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Blend cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and cook for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the flank steak in soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have flank steak, sirloin or skirt steak can work as substitutes. Consider adding some sliced bell peppers or carrots to the stir-fry for extra color and nutrition. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This dish is reminiscent of other Chinese recipes that feature quick-cooking techniques and bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pea Pods With Beef over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside fried rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Teriyaki Meat Sticks for a delightful flavor contrast. For a refreshing side, consider a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without overcooking the beef.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pea Pods With Beef contains roughly 341 calories, with 2g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen pea pods can be used, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, adjust the cooking time slightly as they are typically pre-cooked. Just stir-fry them until heated through to avoid mushiness.
What can I substitute for peanut oil?
If you need a substitute for peanut oil, vegetable oil or canola oil work well. For a nutty flavor, you can also consider using sesame oil, but use it sparingly as it has a stronger taste. Avoid using olive oil as it may not complement the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add heat to Pea Pods With Beef, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes while stir-frying. You can also serve it with a side of chili oil for those who enjoy an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).