Beef is a familiar dish on the dining tables of Vietnamese families. Beef is a great source of protein and is a key ingredient in many delicious dishes. Stir-fried beef is the most popular dish, and marinating the beef is essential to making it tender and tasty. Here are some tips to help you marinate beef to perfection.
Soak the beef in beer
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
– Beef tenderloin: 300g
– Beer: 330ml (1 can)
– Marinade: salt, pepper, minced garlic, minced shallot, oyster sauce, pineapple, onion (optional, adjust to taste)
Step 2: Prepare and marinate the beef with beer
Rinse the beef tenderloin and pat it dry. Cut the meat into small, thin slices. In a bowl, combine the beef with half a can of beer and a few slices of ginger. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then discard the beer and rinse the meat once more. The ginger and beer will help eliminate any unpleasant odors.
Depending on the amount of meat, adjust the amount of beer accordingly for the marinade. You can also add a dash of oyster sauce and gently “massage” the meat to help it absorb the beer. The enzymes in beer quickly break down proteins and lipids, ensuring the meat becomes tender during cooking.
Step 3: Stir-fry the beef
When stir-frying, avoid heating the oil to a high temperature before adding the beef. Sudden temperature changes will cause the meat to contract instantly.
Instead, sauté the garlic and shallots first and cook any other prepared ingredients like onions and bell peppers. Then, remove the pan from the heat and add the beef to the pan as you begin heating it up again. Stir-fry over high heat, constantly tossing the beef to prevent overcooking and maintaining its tenderness.
At this point, season with additional spices to taste. As soon as the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, turn off the heat. Overcooking the beef will make it tough.
Step 4: Enjoy
By marinating the beef in beer and stir-frying it correctly, you’ll achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful beef that’s neither dry nor tough.
Other beef marinating tips
Cornstarch marinade
Cornstarch is another popular ingredient for marinating beef. Just 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch will help retain the meat’s freshness and juiciness, preventing it from drying out during stir-frying.
You can also marinate the beef with a mixture of cornstarch and a tablespoon of alcohol to enhance its aroma.
Pineapple marinade
Pineapple juice is typically used to marinate tough or chewy cuts of beef, such as the rump or shoulder. Due to its potent tenderizing effect, it should only be used for a short time—about 10 minutes before cooking. Any longer, and the meat may become mushy.
Orange or apple juice marinade
For a delicious twist on beef steak, try marinating it in orange or apple juice. Not only will the meat become tender, but it will also take on a delightful fruity aroma.
Soy sauce and oil marinade
A combination of soy sauce and oil creates a delicious marinade that tenderizes the beef. Simply cut the beef into suitable sizes for your dish, add some soy sauce and oil, and mix well. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, and then use this beef to make a delicious stew or braised dish.
