Szechuan Tomato Beef Stir-Fry
Rediscover the rich flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine with our Szechuan Tomato Beef Stir-Fry. This dish combines tender slices of marinated flank steak with fresh vegetables and a hint of curry, creating a delicious harmony of savory, tangy, and aromatic tastes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this stir-fry embodies the art of Chinese cooking with its speedy preparation and vibrant colors. Both satisfying and heart-friendly, this dish is a low-cholesterol option, offering a delightful mix of protein and vegetables.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
2 teaspoons
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (plus 2 tablespoons, to taste)
sherry wine
1 tablespoon
flank steak
1 lb (sliced very thin)
onion
1 (cut in wedges, then separated)
celery
2 stalks (long diagonal slices (optional))
bell pepper
1 (quartered, sliced 1/2-inch thick)
tomatoes
2 (cut in wedges, leave core in)
oil
4 tablespoons (divided use)
curry powder
2 tablespoons (to taste)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
ketchup
3 to 4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sherry wine. Mix well to create a marinade, and allow the thinly sliced flank steak to marinate for about 15 minutes.
2
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.
3
Add the onion wedges to the wok, stir-frying them for 1 to 2 minutes until they are slightly translucent.
4
Mix in the celery and bell pepper, stir-frying them briefly just until they start to soften.
5
Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.
6
Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil into the wok. Sprinkle in the curry powder and add the marinated beef slices with a pinch of salt.
7
Cook the beef until it is about three-quarters done, ensuring it retains its tenderness.
8
Gently add the tomato wedges to the wok, together with ketchup and the reserved vegetable mixture.
9
Stir everything together, cooking until the dish is heated through and the tomatoes just start to soften.
10
Finish by drizzling in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, or to taste, for extra seasoning. Mix thoroughly before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan Tomato Beef Stir-Fry?
Szechuan Tomato Beef Stir-Fry is an authentic Chinese dish featuring thinly sliced marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and tomatoes, flavored with curry and soy sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What type of beef should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of flank steak, which should be sliced very thin for the best results.
How long should the beef marinate?
The flank steak should be marinated in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, and sherry wine for approximately 15 minutes.
What is in the beef marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sherry wine.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-friendly, low-cholesterol option that provides a good mix of protein and vegetables.
Which vegetables are used in this stir-fry?
The recipe includes onion, celery, bell pepper, and tomatoes.
Can I omit the celery?
Yes, the celery is listed as an optional ingredient in this recipe.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be cut into wedges and then the layers separated.
What is the best way to cut the bell pepper?
The bell pepper should be quartered and then sliced into pieces approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Cut the tomatoes into wedges and leave the core in to help them maintain their shape during cooking.
What role does curry powder play in this dish?
Curry powder provides an aromatic depth and a hint of spice that complements the savory and tangy flavors.
How much oil is required for cooking?
A total of 4 tablespoons of oil is used, divided into two parts during the stir-frying process.
What temperature should the wok be?
The wok should be set to high heat until the oil is shimmering.
How long do I stir-fry the onions?
Stir-fry the onion wedges for 1 to 2 minutes until they are slightly translucent.
Why are the vegetables removed from the wok before cooking the beef?
The vegetables are set aside to prevent them from overcooking and becoming too soft while the beef is stir-frying.
At what stage do I add the curry powder?
Sprinkle the curry powder into the wok when adding the marinated beef slices and salt.
When should the tomatoes be added to the wok?
The tomato wedges should be added gently once the beef is about three-quarters done.
What is the purpose of adding ketchup?
Ketchup is added along with the tomatoes to contribute to the tangy and savory sauce.
How do I finish the seasoning?
Finish the dish by drizzling in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, or adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Is this dish quick to prepare?
Yes, with a 15-minute marination time and high-heat stir-frying, it is a very fast meal to prepare.
What are the primary flavors of this recipe?
The dish features a harmony of savory, tangy, and aromatic tastes.
Can I substitute the sherry wine?
If needed, you can substitute sherry wine with Chinese rice wine or dry vermouth.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, added during the beef cooking stage.
What texture should the beef have?
The beef should be cooked until three-quarters done initially to ensure it retains its tenderness after final mixing.
Should the tomatoes be completely soft?
No, the tomatoes should only just start to soften so they don't lose their structure.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner meal?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a satisfying and quick dinner option.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include szechuan, chinese, beef, stir-fry, low cholesterol, quick, savory, healthy, and protein.
Does this dish contain many ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 12 items.
How should I serve Szechuan Tomato Beef Stir-Fry?
It should be mixed thoroughly and served hot, typically over a bed of rice.