Takeout Style Chinese Beef: 30-Minute Delight

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Takeout Style Chinese Beef is a quick and healthy homemade alternative to your favorite takeaway. This dish features tender flank steak cooked with mushrooms, green onions, and a savory brown sauce that thickens perfectly, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that rivals any Chinese beef takeout dish.

Why You’ll Love This Takeout Style Chinese Beef

This recipe is not just about flavor; it offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. The dish is a perfect quick Chinese beef meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Secondly, it’s a healthy alternative to traditional Chinese beef takeout, featuring lean flank steak and plenty of vegetables. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies for a takeout style beef with vegetables. Furthermore, it’s low in calories, making it suitable for those watching their diet. Finally, this recipe is budget-friendly, allowing you to enjoy an authentic Chinese beef takeout experience without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Takeout Style Chinese Beef

Gather these items:

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
1 ½ tablespoon baking soda (bicarb of soda)
2½ cups sliced mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 green onions, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths
2 tablespoons oil
¾ cup cold beef stock or broth
2 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
¼ teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

How to Make Takeout Style Chinese Beef Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut the flank steak into thin strips across the grain. Place the beef in a bowl and sprinkle with baking soda, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize.
Step 2: Thoroughly wash the beef under running water several times to remove all baking soda, which can leave a bitter taste. Pat the beef dry with kitchen paper and set aside.
Step 3: In a large measuring cup or jug, combine cold beef broth, cornstarch, Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar. Stir well to fully mix and dissolve the cornstarch, ensuring no lumps form.
Step 4: Pour oil into a heavy-based frying pan or wok and heat over high heat. Add the green onion pieces and stir-fry for about 1 minute, allowing them to infuse the oil with flavor.
Step 5: Add the prepared beef strips to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute, keeping the pieces moving to cook evenly without overcooking.
Step 6: Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then add the sliced garlic and stir-fry for another minute to release aroma.
Step 7: Give the sauce a good stir to recombine and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens quickly, coating the beef and vegetables. Cook for 1 more minute to heat everything through.
Step 8: Remove from heat and serve hot with fried rice or noodles for a delicious family meal.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Takeout Style Chinese Beef

Keep these in mind:

Ready in just 30 minutes.
Great served with fried rice or noodles.
For a spicier kick, add some chili paste to the sauce.
Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the beef to achieve a good sear.

Best Ways to Serve Takeout Style Chinese Beef

This dish pairs wonderfully with fried rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables to add some color and nutrition to your plate. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a takeout beef and broccoli side.

How to Store and Reheat Takeout Style Chinese Beef

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish can be reheated quickly in a microwave or on the stovetop. It’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy this delicious meal throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Takeout Style Chinese Beef

What’s the secret to perfect Takeout Style Chinese Beef?

The secret lies in marinating the beef properly with baking soda, which tenderizes the meat. This ensures a juicy and flavorful outcome, making your Chinese beef takeout recipe truly authentic.

Can I make Takeout Style Chinese Beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, storing them separately. When ready to serve, simply stir-fry the beef and add the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Takeout Style Chinese Beef?

One common mistake is overcooking the beef. Ensure your pan is hot enough and keep the beef moving during cooking. This will give you the tender texture you desire in a beef stir-fry takeout.

Variations of Takeout Style Chinese Beef You Can Try

For a twist, you can add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. Another variation is to use different sauces, such as Chinese beef with garlic sauce or Chinese beef with black bean sauce. These variations will keep your meals exciting while maintaining the essence of an easy Chinese beef takeout recipe.

Takeout Style Chinese Beef: 30-Minute Delight - Takeout Style Chinese Beef - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cheesy Beef Nachos or Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. You might also enjoy our Apple Bundt Cake Recipe for dessert!

For more information on the benefits of marinating meat, you can visit Healthline.