Ingredients for Beef Stir-fry:
250g beef tenderloin
1 tablespoon sugar
Finely chopped ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon potato starch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
Prepare the beef: Rinse the beef and pat it dry. Slice it against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness during stir-frying.
Marinate the beef: Place the beef in a bowl and add sugar, chopped ginger, and soy sauce. Mix well and let the beef absorb the flavors for about 20 minutes. Then, add potato starch and vegetable oil, mixing once more. Sugar will tenderize the meat, while oil creates a protective layer to prevent dryness. Avoid adding salt at this stage as it draws out moisture, leading to tough meat.
Stir-fry the beef: Heat a wok or a pan with a little vegetable oil. Fry the ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add the beef and stir-fry over low heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then turn up the heat. Starting on low heat ensures the beef doesn’t stick to the wok and retains its tenderness.
Finish the dish: Once the beef changes color, add a dash of soy sauce for enhanced color and flavor. Toss in your choice of vegetables and mix well. When stir-frying vegetables, push the beef to one side, add the veggies, and then combine. Season with salt or additional spices to taste.
Turn off the heat and serve the beef stir-fry immediately while it’s hot. If using vegetables that require longer cooking times, stir-fry them separately until almost done, then set them aside. Stir-fry the beef, and just before it’s fully cooked, toss in the pre-cooked vegetables to combine.
With this marination technique, your beef will remain tender, juicy, and flavorful. The addition of sugar helps soften the meat, ensuring a delicious and moist stir-fry.
