Sizzling Beef and Peppers in Hoisin Glaze
This Sizzling Beef and Peppers in Hoisin Glaze is a quick yet flavorful dish that brings together tender strips of sirloin steak and crisp vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious hoisin sauce. The five-spice powder adds an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of the sauce. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy households. Serve it over warm rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce and create a satisfying meal that the entire family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
sirloin steaks
6 ounces (cut into very thin strips)
five-spice powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
water chestnuts
4 ounces (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and cut into thin strips)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
green bell pepper
1 (cut into thin strips)
hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
beef broth
1/2 cup (none)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
2
2. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced sirloin steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned. Be careful not to overcook it.
3
3. Add the finely chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and sliced water chestnuts to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
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4. Sprinkle the five-spice powder and crushed garlic over the stir-fry and mix well for about 1 minute to release the flavors.
5
5. Pour in the hoisin sauce and mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
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6. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and beef broth. Stir until smooth.
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7. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the stir-fry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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8. Remove from heat and serve immediately over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sizzling Beef and Peppers in Hoisin Glaze?
It is a quick stir-fry dish featuring tender sirloin strips, bell peppers, and water chestnuts tossed in a savory hoisin-based sauce flavored with five-spice powder.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed for busy households and can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
What cut of beef is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe specifically calls for sirloin steaks cut into very thin strips for the best texture and quick cooking.
Can I substitute the sirloin with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute sirloin with flank steak, skirt steak, or even chicken breast or shrimp, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
What gives the dish its aromatic flavor?
The aromatic depth comes from the combination of five-spice powder and crushed garlic added during the stir-fry process.
What is hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a glaze or dipping sauce, known for its sweet and savory profile.
Are water chestnuts necessary for this recipe?
Water chestnuts provide a signature crunch. While optional, they add a traditional texture to the dish.
How should I serve Sizzling Beef and Peppers?
It is best served immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or noodles to soak up the hoisin glaze.
How do I thicken the hoisin glaze?
The sauce is thickened by adding a mixture of cornstarch and beef broth at the end of the cooking process.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, frozen peppers can be used, though fresh peppers will provide a better 'tender-crisp' texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
What type of oil should I use for stir-frying?
The recipe suggests olive oil, but you can also use peanut oil or vegetable oil which have high smoke points suitable for stir-frying.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Avoid overcooking; sear the beef strips for only 2-3 minutes until browned over medium-high heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What is in five-spice powder?
Traditional five-spice powder usually consists of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Absolutely. You can slice the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make the actual cooking process even faster.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is it possible to freeze this recipe?
While you can freeze it, the vegetables may lose their crispness upon thawing and reheating.
Can I add more vegetables to the mix?
Yes, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would be excellent additions to this stir-fry.
What if I don't have a wok?
A large frying pan or skillet will work perfectly well if a wok is not available.
How much beef broth is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of beef broth to create the base for the thickened glaze.
Can I substitute cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can be used as thickeners, though the texture and clarity of the sauce may vary.
Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and rice vinegar can serve as a makeshift substitute if hoisin is unavailable.
What color bell peppers should I use?
The recipe uses one red and one green bell pepper for a variety of color and flavor.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped so it cooks quickly and blends well with the sauce.
What is the role of garlic in this recipe?
Crushed garlic provides a pungent, savory base that enhances the hoisin and beef flavors.
How do I ensure the cornstarch doesn't clump?
Mix the cornstarch into the cold or room-temperature beef broth before adding it to the hot pan.
Can I use low-sodium beef broth?
Yes, using low-sodium broth is a great way to control the salt content of the dish, especially since hoisin sauce is already salty.
How many servings does this make?
Based on the ingredient quantities (6oz beef), this recipe typically serves 2 people as a main course.
Should the heat be high the entire time?
Yes, maintain medium-high heat to ensure the beef sears and the vegetables stay crisp rather than steaming.