Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or the hassle of takeout? Then look no further than this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Beef and Kale Stir-Fry! This recipe captures the essence of a classic Chinese-inspired dish, bringing together tender, juicy beef strips with vibrant, crispy kale in a savory sauce that's bursting with umami. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to master, even for beginner cooks. The combination of rich beef, slightly bitter kale, and a perfectly balanced sauce creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
This irresistible Beef and Kale Stir-Fry is a complete meal in itself, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Packed with protein and healthy greens, it's a guilt-free indulgence that will quickly become a family favorite. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Beef (lean cut): 150 grams
- Kale: 200 grams
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Oyster sauce: 2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon
- Regular soy sauce: 1 teaspoon + 1.5 tablespoons
- Thick soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ground white pepper: 1.5 teaspoons
- Cornstarch: 1.5 tablespoons
- Egg: 1
- Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: 100ml + 80ml + 500ml
- King flavor sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Mushroom stock powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Sugar: 1.5 teaspoons
- Vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef
- Remove any tough, thin layers from the beef to ensure tenderness.
- Tenderize the beef by mixing it with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 100ml of water. Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and dry the beef thoroughly after tenderizing.
- Mix with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, cornstarch, and beaten egg. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, king flavor sauce, mushroom stock powder, white pepper powder, sugar, and water.
- Cut the kale into smaller pieces.
- Finely chop the garlic.
- Boil water in a pan, add salt, and blanch the kale stems for 30 seconds, followed by the leaves for another 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to maintain color and crispness.
- Remove the blanched kale and set aside.
Step 3. Stir-fry the Beef
- Heat a pan, add vegetable oil, and stir-fry the marinated beef over high heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped garlic to the pan until fragrant. Then, pour in the prepared sauce.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the beef and kale to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat for a few seconds. Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- To make the beef color darker, add thick soy sauce.
- The velveting technique keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Oil and salt help keep the kale bright green and crispy.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of kale?
Yes! Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale) works particularly well, but you can substitute with other hearty greens like collard greens or even spinach (though spinach will wilt more quickly).
2. How do I keep the beef tender?
Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This helps tenderize it and allows the flavors to penetrate. Don't overcook the beef; cook it until it's just browned and still slightly pink inside for optimal tenderness.
3. What can I do if I don't have all the sauce ingredients?
Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking! If you're missing an ingredient, you can often substitute with something similar. For example, if you don't have rice vinegar, white wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
This Juicy Beef & Crispy Kale Stir-Fry is a testament to the fact that restaurant-quality meals can be easily recreated at home. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner any night of the week. So go ahead, try this recipe and experience the satisfying crunch of the kale and the tender juiciness of the beef – you won't be disappointed!