Zesty Apple-Infused Beef Stir-Fry
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with this Zesty Apple-Infused Beef Stir-Fry. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples are the star of this dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory, tender flank steak. Each bite bursts with a medley of textures and tastes, accentuated by the aromatic lemon zest and a hint of Chinese five-spice powder. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is not just delicious—it's a feast for the eyes with vibrant bell peppers and fresh green onions. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy sauce
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Flank steak
3/4 lb (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Lemon zest
1 tablespoon (Zest from 1/2 lemon)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Chinese five spice powder
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Granny Smith apple
1 (Cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (Seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice)
Green bell pepper
1/2 (Seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice)
Green onions
3 (Cut into 2-inch lengths)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, mix together the cornstarch and soy sauce to create a marinade.
2
Add flank steak cubes to the marinade and stir well to ensure all pieces are coated. Allow the beef to marinate for 10 minutes.
3
In another small bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, and Chinese five-spice powder. Add the cored and cubed Granny Smith apples to the mixture and stir until evenly coated.
4
Heat a wok over high heat until it starts to smoke lightly. Add vegetable oil and swirl to cover the sides of the wok.
5
Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until it is browned and just cooked through.
6
Stir in the apple mixture along with the diced red and green bell peppers and the green onions. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes, or until the apples are tender-crisp.
7
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant colors and flavors of your Zesty Apple-Infused Beef Stir-Fry.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Apple-Infused Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a fusion dish featuring savory flank steak and tart Granny Smith apples with citrus and spice notes.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of flank steak cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What type of apple is best for this stir-fry?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and firm texture.
How long should the beef be marinated?
The beef should be marinated in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for 10 minutes.
What is in the beef marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
What aromatics are used in the apple mixture?
The apple mixture includes lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and Chinese five-spice powder.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes before being coated in the lemon mixture.
Which vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The dish includes red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How long does the actual stir-fry cooking take?
The total cooking time is approximately 4 minutes: 2 minutes for the beef and 2 minutes for the apples and peppers.
How should the green onions be sliced?
The green onions should be cut into 2-inch lengths.
What size should the beef cubes be?
The flank steak should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes for even and quick cooking.
Why is cornstarch used in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and create a light coating that helps it brown.
What provides the zesty flavor in the dish?
The zest and juice of a lemon provide the bright, zesty citrus profile.
What should I serve with Zesty Apple-Infused Beef Stir-Fry?
It is delicious when served over a bed of rice or noodles.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as a fast weeknight dinner with a total cook time of under 5 minutes.
How should the bell peppers be cut?
Both the red and green bell peppers should be seeded and cut into a 1/2-inch dice.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
The dish offers a medley of savory beef, tart apple, and aromatic Chinese five-spice.
Can I use a regular pan instead of a wok?
Yes, although a wok is preferred for high-heat cooking, a heavy skillet can also be used.
How do I know the wok is hot enough?
Heat the wok over high heat until it starts to smoke lightly before adding the oil.
When should I add the apple mixture to the wok?
Add the apple and pepper mixture after the beef has been stir-fried for about 2 minutes.
What texture should the apples have after cooking?
The apples should be tender-crisp, meaning they are softened but still retain some bite.
How much lemon zest is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, typically from half a lemon.
What is Chinese five-spice powder?
It is a spice blend that provides a hint of aromatic warmth to the dish.
Can the ingredients be prepped ahead of time?
Yes, dicing the meat and vegetables in advance will make the high-speed stir-frying process easier.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of soy sauce for the marinade.
Is this dish colorful?
Yes, the combination of red and green peppers with fresh green onions makes it very vibrant.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 3 green onions.
Should I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately after cooking while the textures are crisp and the beef is tender.
Is the beef browned before adding the apples?
Yes, the beef should be browned and just cooked through before the apple mixture is added.