Shanghai Beef
Shanghai Beef offers tender strips of beef stir-fried with crunchy water chestnuts, colorful peppers, and aromatic green onions in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch, this dish combines bold flavors and satisfying textures that appeal to meat lovers and fans of Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute beef in oil in a large skillet until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add cornstarch and blend well.
- Add beef broth, water chestnuts, red or green pepper, green onions, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Bring to a full boil, stirring frequently.
- Stir in cooked rice.
- Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, consider marinating the round steak in soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes. Adding garlic or ginger can enhance the flavor. For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Serving Suggestions
This Shanghai Beef dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, making it a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside fresh spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For an elevated experience, garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep the beef moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shanghai Beef contains roughly 1524 calories, with 3g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% 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 cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is recommended for its texture, you can substitute it with flank steak or sirloin for a more tender result. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and sauté the tofu until golden for added flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to include additional vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to boost the nutritional value and add color. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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).