Spicy Kung Pao Beef Delight
Experience a symphony of flavors with this Spicy Kung Pao Beef Delight, a dish that has quickly become a beloved staple in our household. The succulent sirloin steak, marinated to perfection, is stir-fried with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, including vibrant red peppers and crunchy scallions. The addition of diced green chilies and peanuts adds an exciting kick and texture that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you choose beef or chicken, this quick-cooking recipe—ready in just 5 minutes—promises a delightful dinner experience. Perfect for those busy weeknights or whenever you're craving something a little different, you won't be disappointed!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
sirloin steak
1 lb (cut into cubes)
olive oil
1 teaspoon
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
diced green chilies
2 ounces
red pepper
1 (cut into squares or slices)
scallions
2-3 (cut into 1 inch pieces)
canned diced bamboo shoots
1/2 cup
garlic
2 cloves (minced or chopped)
ginger
1 teaspoon
sugar
1 teaspoon
hot chili oil
1 tablespoon
hot sauce
3 dashes (optional)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
peanuts
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Note: For an alternate protein option, high-quality beef stew meat can also be used in place of sirloin steak.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed sirloin steak with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, cornstarch, and pepper. Toss the mixture until the beef is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In an electric skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry it for approximately 2 minutes, or until it turns nicely browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped scallions, red pepper, bamboo shoots, minced garlic, ginger, sugar, and diced green chilies. Stir-fry the mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
5
Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add the hot chili oil and, if desired, the hot sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients and allow them to heat through for a couple of minutes.
6
Just before serving, sprinkle the stir-fry with peanuts for a delightful crunch. Enjoy your spicy kung pao dish hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Kung Pao Beef Delight?
It is a quick stir-fry dish featuring marinated sirloin steak, vibrant vegetables, peanuts, and a spicy sauce made with chili oil.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using sirloin steak cut into cubes for the best results.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, high-quality beef stew meat or chicken can be used as alternatives to sirloin steak.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of 1 teaspoon of olive oil, cornstarch, and pepper.
How much cornstarch is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to coat the beef.
Which vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The recipe calls for red pepper, scallions, canned diced bamboo shoots, and diced green chilies.
How should the red pepper be prepared?
The red pepper should be cut into squares or slices.
What size should the scallions be?
The scallions should be cut into 1 inch pieces.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of garlic, which should be minced or chopped.
Is ginger used in this dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ginger is included for flavor.
What provides the spiciness in this recipe?
The heat comes from diced green chilies, hot chili oil, and optional hot sauce.
How much hot chili oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of hot chili oil.
Is the hot sauce mandatory?
No, the 3 dashes of hot sauce are optional depending on your spice preference.
How long does the beef take to cook?
The beef stir-fries for approximately 2 minutes over high heat until browned.
How long should I stir-fry the vegetables?
The vegetables should be stir-fried for about 1 minute until they soften slightly.
When do I add the peanuts?
Sprinkle the peanuts over the dish just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
Olive oil is used for both the marinade and the stir-frying steps.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
What equipment is best for cooking this?
An electric skillet or a wok is ideal for this high-heat stir-fry.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While servings are not specified, the recipe uses 1 lb of beef and several cups of vegetables.
How much bamboo shoots are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of canned diced bamboo shoots.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
Excluding the 30-minute marination, the active cooking time is very quick, around 5 minutes.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil is specified, other high-smoke point oils like peanut or vegetable oil could work for stir-frying.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
The recipe consists of 15 total ingredients.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It uses cornstarch which is gluten-free, but you must ensure your hot sauce and chili oil are also certified gluten-free.
What kind of green chilies are used?
The recipe specifies a 2-ounce portion of diced green chilies.
Why is the beef removed from the pan during cooking?
The beef is removed after browning to prevent overcooking while the vegetables are stir-fried.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a perfect quick meal for busy weeknights due to its fast cooking time.
What should I serve with this?
Though not specified, it is an Asian-style stir-fry that would pair well with steamed rice or noodles.