This Beef with String Beans dish is a perfect balance of savory flavors. The tender beef is coated in a flavorful sauce, while the string beans add a fresh, crisp contrast. The combination of garlic and ginger brings out the deep umami in the dish, making it a comforting favorite for anyone craving Asian-inspired flavors.
This stir-fry is not only delicious but also a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. The beef and string beans can be paired with steamed rice, making it a well-rounded meal that your family will love. The vibrant green of the string beans contrasts beautifully with the rich brown of the beef, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and satisfying to eat.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
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1 lb string beans, trimmed
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon rice wine
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/4 cup water
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
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When the oil is hot, add the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
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In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion, and stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the string beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften but still have a slight crunch.
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Return the beef to the wok and stir everything together.
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In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and string beans, adding water as needed.
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Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Key Elements of the Recipe
One of the distinct features of this dish is how the string beans are prepared. Unlike other recipes where beans are just stir-fried lightly, in this recipe, the string beans are seared until they develop a slightly wrinkled appearance. This gives them a smoky flavor and allows them to absorb the delicious sauce much better. The searing process enhances their texture and creates a deeper, richer flavor, which is further complemented by the savory sauce.
Another important aspect of the recipe is the marinating process for the beef. Marinating the beef helps to tenderize it and infuse it with the flavors of the marinade, which includes soy sauce, cornstarch, and a dash of oyster sauce. This step ensures the beef remains juicy and flavorful when cooked. By adding baking soda to the beef, you break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and melt-in-your-mouth. However, for those who prefer a firmer bite, the baking soda can be omitted.
The Role of the Sauce
The sauce plays a crucial role in this dish, providing the signature depth of flavor that makes it so irresistible. The sauce is made by combining ingredients such as chicken stock, sugar, light and dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of white pepper. This mixture brings together the perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet notes. The richness of the oyster sauce and the umami kick from the sesame oil are balanced perfectly by the slight sweetness of the sugar.
The beauty of this sauce is how it coats the beef and string beans, elevating each bite with its complexity. The sauce also acts as a glaze, which adheres well to the vegetables and meat, enhancing every component in the dish. The final step of adding a cornstarch-water slurry thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy texture that makes the stir-fry even more appealing.
Making Beef with String Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
Although the recipe may seem a bit involved with marinating and searing, the process is relatively straightforward. The first step is to prepare the beef. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, and massage the marinade ingredients into the meat. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, which will infuse it with flavor and help it retain moisture when cooked.
While the beef marinates, the string beans are prepared. After trimming and halving the beans, you sear them in a wok with a bit of oil. The goal here is to get them wrinkled and slightly scorched, which brings out a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the tender beef. Once the beans are seared, you add garlic to infuse fragrance into the dish, followed by a splash of Shaoxing wine to deglaze the wok. Then, the prepared sauce mixture is added, which will come together with the beans and beef to create a harmonious dish.
When the sauce is simmering, a cornstarch-water slurry is added to thicken it, giving the dish a glossy sheen and helping the sauce cling to the beef and beans. Once the beef is returned to the wok and mixed with the sauce, everything cooks together for a few more minutes, and then it’s ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Beef with string beans pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed white rice, which helps to balance out the rich flavors of the dish. The subtle sweetness and umami notes from the sauce complement the rice, creating a satisfying meal. You can also serve this dish with a side of pickled vegetables or a light soup to round out the meal.
If you’re looking for a bit of heat, adding some sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Alternatively, a drizzle of sesame oil over the finished dish adds a delightful nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Why You Should Try This Dish
This dish is not only delicious but also highly versatile. While the recipe calls for beef and string beans, you can swap the beef for chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer. Similarly, you can switch out the string beans for other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli, depending on what you have on hand.
The preparation method and flavor profile make this dish perfect for meal prep. The beef and string beans can be made in advance, and reheated for lunch or dinner the next day. It’s a great option for those who want a home-cooked meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Beef with string beans is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry that has become a staple in many Chinese households. With its tender beef, seared string beans, and savory sauce, this dish brings together all the elements of a perfect one-pan meal. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and makes for an enjoyable meal whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group. The marinated beef and crisp beans provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures, while the sauce ties everything together beautifully. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that can be made any time you’re craving something savory and satisfying.