Savory Gai Lan Stir-Fry with Beef
This flavorful Savory Gai Lan Stir-Fry with Beef is a delightful Chinese-inspired dish that not only tantalizes the palate but also fills your home with an aromatic symphony of garlic and savory sauces. After repeatedly requesting this dish from my Chinese roommate, I finally learned to make it myself, and it has since become one of my favorites! The tender, marinated beef perfectly complements the vibrant gai lan, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you're cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy all garlic and beef lovers!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean steak
1-2 lb (sliced thinly into one-inch long pieces)
gai lan
1 bunch (about 2-3 lbs) (washed well and cut into three to four-inch pieces)
fish sauce
6 teaspoons (none)
sesame oil
6 teaspoons (none)
soy sauce
6 teaspoons (none)
fresh garlic cloves
4-6 (chopped finely (must be fresh, not jarred))
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce to create the marinade.
2
Add the thinly sliced lean steak to the marinade, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Allow it to marinate for about 30 minutes for best flavor absorption.
3
While the beef is marinating, thoroughly wash the gai lan under running water to remove any dirt or grit.
4
Cut the gai lan into three to four-inch pieces, keeping the leaves attached to the stalks for better flavor and texture.
5
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully drop in the gai lan pieces and blanch them until they reach your desired level of tenderness (about 1-3 minutes for slightly crispy). Remove them promptly and set aside.
6
In a large frying pan or wok, heat one teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes lightly golden brown, being cautious to not let it burn.
7
When the garlic is ready, add the marinated beef along with the unused marinade to the hot pan. Stir-fry until the beef is cooked through and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
8
To serve, plate the sautéed beef over a bed of steamed rice and arrange the gai lan alongside. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the dish for added flavor.
9
Enjoy your delicious stir-fry, savoring each bite of the savory beef and nutritious gai lan!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Savory Gai Lan Stir-Fry?
The recipe uses 1-2 lbs of lean steak, sliced thinly into one-inch pieces.
What is Gai Lan?
Gai Lan is a leafy green vegetable also known as Chinese broccoli, used extensively in Chinese cuisine.
How long should the beef marinate?
For the best flavor absorption, the beef should marinate for approximately 30 minutes.
What ingredients are in the beef marinade?
The marinade consists of fish sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
How should I prepare the Gai Lan?
Thoroughly wash the gai lan and cut it into three to four-inch pieces, keeping the leaves attached to the stalks.
Do I need to blanch the Gai Lan?
Yes, blanching the gai lan in boiling water for 1-3 minutes ensures it reaches the perfect level of tenderness while staying slightly crispy.
Can I use jarred garlic for this stir-fry?
The recipe specifically recommends using fresh garlic cloves rather than jarred garlic for the best flavor profile.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 4 to 6 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
Once the garlic is golden brown, the beef and marinade should be stir-fried for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Plate the sautéed beef over a bed of steamed rice and arrange the gai lan alongside, drizzling any extra pan sauce over the top.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features an aromatic symphony of garlic and savory sauces like fish sauce and soy sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged under healthy eating and contains nutritious ingredients like lean steak and gai lan.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The instructions suggest using a teaspoon of oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
How much Gai Lan do I need to buy?
One bunch, which is typically about 2-3 lbs, is required for this recipe.
What measurements are used for the sauces?
The recipe calls for 6 teaspoons each of fish sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
Should I discard the marinade after soaking the beef?
No, you should add the marinated beef along with any unused marinade to the hot pan to create the sauce.
What is the best way to slice the steak?
The steak should be sliced thinly into one-inch long pieces for even cooking and a tender texture.
What cooking equipment is best for this recipe?
A large frying pan or a wok is recommended for the stir-fry process.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the fish sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a bowl to create the marinade.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium-high heat and watch it closely until it becomes lightly golden brown.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking only a few minutes of active cooking time after the marination period.
Can I cook the leaves and stalks of the gai lan separately?
The recipe suggests keeping them attached to each other when cutting for better flavor and texture results.
What should the water be doing before I add the gai lan?
The water should be at a rolling boil before you carefully drop in the gai lan pieces.
Is this dish spicy?
Based on the ingredients, it is savory and garlicky rather than spicy, though you could add chili if desired.
How much oil is used for the marinade?
Six teaspoons of sesame oil are used specifically for the marinade mixture.
What makes this dish 'Chinese-inspired'?
The use of gai lan, soy sauce, ginger-adjacent savory profiles, and the stir-fry technique are hallmarks of Chinese cuisine.
What is the texture of the steak in this dish?
Because it is marinated and thinly sliced, the steak becomes very tender during the high-heat stir-fry.
Should the rice be steamed separately?
Yes, the instructions mention serving the beef and gai lan over a bed of steamed rice.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: lean steak, gai lan, fish sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh garlic.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Yes, the description notes it is sure to impress and satisfy lovers of garlic and beef.