Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with YouTiao (Chinese Fried Dough)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
274 kcal
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Cuisine
Chinese
Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with YouTiao (Chinese Fried Dough)
Description
The recipe starts by marinating sliced flank steak with cornstarch, baking soda, and vegetable oil to tenderize and prepare the meat. While the beef marinates, the you tiao—Chinese fried dough sticks—are cut into 2-inch pieces and gently crisped in a low-temperature oven to restore crunch without burning. The beef is stir-fried in a hot wok over high heat for a short time to achieve a seared exterior and juicy interior.
Separately, the sauce is made by caramelizing brown sugar, then adding minced shallots, stock, soy sauces, vinegar, and then simmering. The beef returns to the pan to combine with the sauce, which is thickened with a cornstarch slurry to cling well to the meat. Toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions finish the dish, adding aromatic nuttiness and freshness. This stir-fry offers a mix of textures from the tender beef to the crisp you tiao and a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
The dish is suitable as a main course served with rice or noodles but the detailed serving step is missing. The technique of marinating beef with baking soda and cornstarch contributes to tenderness and a smooth sauce texture.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces flank steak (340g, sliced into 2-inch long pieces)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (plus 2 tablespoons)
- 2 pieces fried dough you tiao, Chinese
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 tablespoon red onion minced or shallot
- ½ cup beef stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black vinegar Zhenjiang
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
- 1 tablespoon scallion (chopped)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the beef, with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, a pinch of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons oil. Set aside for 10 minutes, or until the beef comes up to room temperature.
- Cut your Chinese fried dough (you tiao) into 2-inch pieces and place them on a sheet pan. Heat in an oven at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy.
- Heat your wok over high heat until just smoking, and spread 1 tablespoon of oil around the wok. Add the beef and sear for 2 to 3 minutes just until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Over medium low heat, add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, along with the sugar. Once the sugar has melted, add in the shallots. After 2 to 3 minutes, add the stock, soy sauces, and vinegar. Bring the liquid to a simmer, and then add the beef and any juices from the bowl.
- While the beef and sauce are simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch and water mixture until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Toss in the toasted fried dough and mix for 20 seconds, or until everything is coated in sauce. Transfer to a plate, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Serve with steamed white rice.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 274 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 274kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 578mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 355mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 15IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 28mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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