Spicy Hoisin Beef Stir-Fry with Choy Sum
Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful dish with our Spicy Hoisin Beef Stir-Fry featuring tender strips of beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a tantalizing hoisin sauce. This recipe, inspired by Asian cuisine, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to impress family and friends alike. The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and chili peppers gives a delightful kick, while the choy sum adds a nutritious touch. Perfect for a low-carb meal on its own or served with steamed jasmine rice for a heartier option, this dish is both satisfying and delicious.
N/A
Servings
550
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
sesame oil
1 (teaspoon)
black pepper
to taste
green onions
6 (sliced thinly)
red chilies
2 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
fresh ginger
2 (teaspoons grated)
chinese rice wine
80 (ml)
soy sauce
60 (ml)
beef strips
800 (g)
peanut oil
1 (tablespoon)
brown onion
1 (sliced thinly)
red capsicum
1 (sliced thinly)
fresh shiitake mushrooms
100 (sliced thinly)
choy sum
500 (halved)
water
60 (ml)
hoisin sauce
80 (ml)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl or storage container, combine sesame oil, black pepper, 3 sliced green onions, chopped red chilies, crushed garlic, grated ginger, half of the rice wine, and half of the soy sauce. Add the beef strips and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and marinate for several hours or preferably overnight to enhance the flavors.
2
Heat peanut oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Brown the beef strips for about 3-4 minutes each batch, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
3
In the same pan, add the sliced brown onion and red capsicum. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
4
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and the choy sum stalks to the pan. Pour in the reserved marinade, along with the remaining rice wine, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and water. Stir-fry the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
5
Finally, add the choy sum leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
6
Divide the stir-fry among serving bowls and garnish with the remaining sliced green onions. Serve immediately as is for a low-carb meal, or alongside steamed jasmine rice for a more traditional feast.
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
10
Carbs
45
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Hoisin Beef Stir-Fry with Choy Sum?
It is a vibrant Asian-inspired dish featuring tender beef strips, fresh vegetables like choy sum and shiitake mushrooms, tossed in a savory and spicy hoisin-based sauce.
How long should I marinate the beef?
For the best flavor, marinate the beef for several hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
What are the primary flavors in this stir-fry?
The dish features a combination of sweet and savory hoisin sauce, spicy red chilies, aromatic ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 10g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent option for those following a low-carb lifestyle when served without rice.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What can I substitute for choy sum?
If choy sum is unavailable, you can use bok choy, baby spinach, or Chinese broccoli (gai lan) as a nutritious substitute.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe is high in protein, providing 45g per serving.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Beef strips made from tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or scotch fillet work best for quick stir-frying.
Is this stir-fry very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from two red chilies and fresh ginger, but you can adjust the heat by removing the chili seeds or using fewer chilies.
What can I use instead of Chinese rice wine?
Dry sherry or a splash of rice wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar can be used as a substitute for Chinese rice wine.
How should I cook the beef to keep it tender?
Cook the beef in small batches over high heat for only 3-4 minutes per batch to ensure it browns quickly without stewing.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger is recommended for the best aromatic profile, but you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if necessary.
What is the role of hoisin sauce in this dish?
Hoisin sauce acts as the thick, flavorful base of the stir-fry sauce, providing a sweet and salty glaze to the beef and vegetables.
Are shiitake mushrooms necessary?
Shiitake mushrooms add a unique earthy flavor, but you can substitute them with button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms if preferred.
What should I serve with this stir-fry?
It can be served alone for a low-carb meal or with steamed jasmine rice for a more traditional and heartier option.
How many green onions are used?
The recipe calls for 6 green onions: 3 for the marinade and the remaining for garnishing the final dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure your hoisin and soy sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
How do I prepare the choy sum?
Halve the choy sum and separate the stalks from the leaves; cook the stalks first as they take longer, then add the leaves at the very end.
What is the total fat content?
There are 30g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a pan or microwave until just hot.
Is peanut oil essential for frying?
Peanut oil is ideal for its high smoke point, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil will work.
Does this recipe contain many vegetables?
Yes, it includes green onions, red capsicum, brown onion, shiitake mushrooms, and 500g of choy sum.
How long does the vegetable stir-fry take?
The total stir-frying time for the vegetables is approximately 7-10 minutes.
Why is water added to the sauce?
A small amount of water (60ml) helps create enough steam to cook the vegetables and balances the thickness of the hoisin sauce.
Is there added sugar in the recipe?
There is no added granulated sugar, though hoisin sauce itself naturally contains sugar.
Can I add other vegetables like broccoli?
Absolutely! Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots would be great additions to this stir-fry.
What is the best way to slice the beef?
Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips to ensure maximum tenderness after cooking.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish can be cooked in a single large pan or wok, making cleanup very easy.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 crushed garlic cloves in the marinade.
Can I freeze this meal?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the choy sum and mushrooms may become soft upon thawing and reheating.