Lettuce is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for overall health. Consuming lettuce regularly may aid in improving sleep, supporting weight loss, cooling the body, and reducing body fat.
For those tired of traditional beef dishes such as stir-fried beef with onions, beef and cheese rolls, beef stew, or deep-fried beef, this simple recipe for stir-fried lettuce with beef may be just what you need.
1. Ingredients for Stir-Fried Lettuce with Beef
– Lettuce: 400 grams
– Beef: 200 grams
– Garlic: 2 cloves
– Dried chili peppers: 2
– Seasonings: 1 tablespoon cooking wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, sugar
2. Cooking Instructions for Stir-Fried Lettuce with Beef
Step 1: Preparation
– Rinse the beef thoroughly, then slice it into thin, bite-sized strips.
– Discard any damaged or wilted lettuce leaves, rinse well, and cut into short segments.
– Peel the garlic cloves, rinse, and mince. Remove the stems from the chili peppers and mince.
Step 2: Marinating the Beef
– Place the sliced beef in a clean bowl, then add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon cooking wine.
– Mix well using a utensil (e.g., spoon, chopsticks) and marinate for approximately 15 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Blanching the Lettuce
– Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
– Add the lettuce and blanch for approximately 30 seconds, then remove and set aside in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Stir-Frying the Lettuce with Beef
– Heat a clean wok or large skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of cooking oil.
– Add the minced dried chili peppers and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.
– Once the garlic turns slightly golden brown and releases its aroma, add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it changes color. Add additional oyster sauce and soy sauce to taste, then continue to stir-fry.
– Next, add the blanched lettuce, stir-fry, and season with a bit of sugar to enhance the flavor. Stir-fry for a few more moments, then remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
The stir-fried lettuce with beef is now ready to be enjoyed. Its vibrant appearance, featuring the reddish-brown hue of the beef, the greens of the lettuce, and the bright red of the chili peppers, is sure to be visually appealing. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the crisp and refreshing lettuce complementing the tender and savory beef. This dish can be paired with rice or savored as a light snack.
3. Tips for Making Stir-Fried Lettuce with Beef
– When selecting lettuce, choose heads with vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free from bruising or wilting.
– For beef stir-fry dishes, it is advisable to opt for tender cuts such as sirloin, tenderloin, or rump, as they are typically more tender and easier to chew. Look for cuts with a bright red color and fine, even grain, but not overly smooth.
– Additionally, try gently pressing the beef with your fingertip. If the meat has good elasticity, is not slimy or sticky, and has no off-smell, it is a good choice.
– When stir-frying the beef, slicing it thinly allows it to cook quickly, and using high heat helps prevent the meat from becoming tough.