The vibrant, savory flavors of the Vietnamese Shaking Beef come to life in this dish. Tender beef cubes sear perfectly, absorbing the tangy glaze of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce, making each bite satisfying. The colorful bell peppers and juicy cherry tomatoes offer a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the beef. This dish is a celebration of bold flavors and textures, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
With minimal prep time and just a few ingredients, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam straight to your dinner table. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with all the savory goodness you crave. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or fresh greens for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, sliced thin
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 lime, quartered (for serving)
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Stir to combine, then add the beef cubes and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
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Return the beef to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.
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Serve the beef with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ingredients That Make This Dish Special
What sets Vietnamese Shaking Beef apart from other stir-fries is its use of a few simple yet highly flavorful ingredients that come together to create a harmonious dish. The marinade, a combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, infuses the beef with a depth of flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of garlic and black pepper provides a subtle kick, while a sprinkle of sugar adds a light caramelization when the beef is cooked, giving it that signature “shaking” effect in the skillet.
The beef itself is usually cut into bite-sized cubes, often from a tender cut like fillet or sirloin, allowing it to absorb the marinade fully. When cooked, the beef becomes wonderfully juicy, retaining its tenderness and flavor. The vegetable components – onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes – not only add color and crunch but also bring out the natural sweetness of the sauce.
The Art of Cooking Shaking Beef
One of the key factors in achieving the perfect Vietnamese Shaking Beef is the quick cooking process. The beef is seared over high heat to develop a beautiful caramelized crust while maintaining its juicy interior. This method of high-heat stir-frying, known as “stir-fry flash cooking,” is used to ensure that the beef remains tender and doesn’t become overcooked. The veggies are added towards the end of the cooking process, allowing them to retain their texture and freshness while soaking up the sauce’s flavors.
Using a hot skillet or wok is essential to achieving the perfect result. This method of cooking the beef quickly allows the marinated meat to sear and brown without losing its natural juices, resulting in a tender, juicy bite. The quick toss and shake of the beef in the pan ensure an even cook, with the sauce clinging perfectly to the beef cubes.
Serving and Enjoying Vietnamese Shaking Beef
Vietnamese Shaking Beef is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro, providing an added layer of fragrance and brightness to the dish. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving enhances the dish’s flavor, cutting through the richness of the beef and adding a fresh citrusy note.
The dish is also enjoyed as part of a family-style meal, often served alongside other traditional Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls, pho, or bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes). It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various preferences, allowing you to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vietnamese Shaking Beef
To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to use tender cuts of beef such as sirloin or fillet. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy even with the high-heat stir-fry method. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use flank steak, although it may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Another important tip is to marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and tender bite. You can also marinate the beef for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor profile.
While the dish is typically served with vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes, feel free to get creative with the veggies you add. Mushrooms, snap peas, or even bok choy are great alternatives that will complement the dish’s rich flavors.
The Perfect Pairings
Vietnamese Shaking Beef is often paired with steamed jasmine rice, but you can also serve it with other types of rice such as brown rice for a healthier twist. For a more complete meal, consider adding a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad. The acidity from the pickled veggies will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the beef.
Additionally, serving the dish with a cold glass of Vietnamese iced tea or a crisp lager will help balance the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
Conclusion: A Dish to Remember
Vietnamese Shaking Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish that offers a perfect balance of tender beef, savory sauce, and crunchy vegetables. Its bold, umami-packed flavors make it a standout dish, ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its richness and vibrant flavors.
With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, Vietnamese Shaking Beef is an easy-to-make meal that brings the taste of Vietnam into your home. It’s perfect for those who crave a savory, satisfying stir-fry that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The combination of tender beef, aromatic herbs, and tangy vegetables makes it a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, providing a true taste of Vietnamese cuisine.