Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this easy Chinese Beef & Pumpkin Stir-Fry! This recipe perfectly balances the savory richness of tender beef strips with the sweet and subtly earthy notes of pumpkin, all tossed in a fragrant, homemade sauce. It's a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe is surprisingly simple, using readily available ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
This Beef & Pumpkin Stir-Fry is bursting with flavor and color, making it an ideal dish for a family dinner or a special occasion. The simple yet effective sauce complements the ingredients perfectly, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this amazing stir-fry.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- Pumpkin: 2 pounds
- Beef: New York strip, about a pan
- Salt: a little
- Black pepper: a sprinkle
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil: a couple of tablespoons
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Garlic: 1 teaspoon, chopped
- Black bean sauce: 3 teaspoons
- Water or chicken broth: enough to cover pumpkin
- Cooking wine: a couple of tablespoons
- Sesame seed oil: 1/2 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the pumpkin into big slices, then into smaller slices. Remove the seeds and skin.
- Cut the beef into big chunks.
- Marinate the beef with salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and a little cooking oil.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Beef and Aromatics
- Heat the oil in a pan and stir-fry the beef until browned on both sides.
- Add ginger and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for a brief moment.
Step 3. Simmer the Pumpkin
- Add black bean sauce and pumpkin to the pan.
- Add water or chicken broth to cover the pumpkin and beef. Cover the pan and cook until the pumpkin is tender.
- Add more water if necessary to ensure the pumpkin cooks thoroughly.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add cooking wine, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, sugar, black pepper, and stir.
- Add the beef back to the pan, along with green onions and oyster sauce.
- Serve and enjoy your Beef Pumpkin Stir-fry!
Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of water or chicken broth as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pumpkin?
Yes! Butternut squash, kabocha squash, or even sweet potatoes can be substituted for pumpkin. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the vegetable's density.
2. What can I do if I don't have oyster sauce?
Soy sauce (plus a touch of brown sugar for sweetness) can be used as a substitute for oyster sauce. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely, but the flavor will be slightly less rich.
This easy Chinese Beef & Pumpkin Stir-Fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick and satisfying weekend meal. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!