Special Beef
A savory beef stir-fry with vibrant vegetables and a rich soy-ginger flavor, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. beef, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped garlic
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 c. oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 4 ribs celery, sliced at angle ⓘ
- 2 c. broccoli florets
- 2 c. sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 8 oz. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 c. bean sprouts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 6 c. rice, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, chopped garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl and stir well.
- Add beef strips to the marinade, toss to coat, and set aside to marinate while preparing the vegetables.
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok until very hot.
- Add beef strips and cook over high heat, tossing until browned and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, sliced celery, broccoli florets, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Cook while tossing until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 10 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and bean sprouts to the pan.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and pour into the pan.
- Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the beef and vegetable mixture over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight if time allows. You can substitute the water chestnuts with sliced bell peppers for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier dish, add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or snap peas, similar to classic Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Fried Wontons as an appetizer or a side of steamed dumplings. This dish also goes well with a light cucumber salad, adding a refreshing contrast to the flavors of the beef.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and cover to steam the mixture slightly. This will help maintain the texture of the vegetables and beef.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Beef contains roughly 2862 calories, with 26g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 200g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (330% of the Daily Value), iron (102% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2365mg per serving (103% 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, you can use flank steak or sirloin for a more tender option. Just ensure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best results. This will help maintain tenderness during cooking, similar to what is achieved in Beef With Cashews.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try tamari or coconut aminos. These substitutes will provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten. Additionally, if you want a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium soy sauce available in most grocery stores.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh, and replace the soy sauce with a mushroom or vegetable-based sauce for added depth of flavor. You can also enhance the dish with more vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas, creating a colorful and nutritious meal.
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).