Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of cumin-scented stir-fried beef with celery, a delectable dish that promises an explosion of taste in every bite. This stir-fry is a harmonious blend of tender beef, crisp celery, and aromatic cumin, all enveloped in a savory sauce that will leave you craving more. The recipe is not only easy to follow but also versatile, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness to your preference. Accompanying this main course are two equally enticing recipes: a refreshing cucumber salad with a tangy dressing and a simple yet flavorful stir-fried gai lan with garlic. These side dishes perfectly complement the beef stir-fry, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you utterly satisfied.
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CUMIN BEEF STIR-FRY
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 35m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Season the steak with salt and pepper. Finely grind 2 teaspoons cumin seeds in a spice grinder (or grind them with the bottom of a skillet). Toss the steak with the ground cumin, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar in a large bowl; let sit 10 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the bell pepper, slice the chile into very thin rounds and cut the scallions into 1-inch pieces.
- Preheat a large skillet or wok over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then add the bell pepper, chile, scallions and a pinch of salt. Cook, undisturbed, until the vegetables are charred in spots, about 2 minutes. Toss a few times and continue cooking until crisp-tender, about 1 more minute; remove to a large plate.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the skillet, then add the steak, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds and cook, undisturbed, until the steak is crisp around the edges and charred in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Toss a few times and continue cooking until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain off any fat from the skillet, then return the vegetables to the pan along with half the cilantro; toss. Serve over the rice and top with the remaining cilantro.
HUNAN BEEF WITH CUMIN
This fragrant beef stir-fry is an adaptation of one found in Fuchsia Dunlop's "Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook," whose subject is the food of Sichuan's less celebrated eastern neighbor, Hunan province. Cumin, a spice rarely used in Chinese cooking, chiles, chile flakes and garlic create a heated yet sophisticated flavor profile.
Provided by Anne Mendelson
Categories easy, quick, main course
Time 25m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix the wine, salt, soy sauces, potato starch or flour and one tablespoon water. Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices and add to marinade.
- In a wok, heat peanut oil to about 275 degrees. Add beef and stir gently for two to three minutes, then remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain well.
- Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of oil in wok. Over a high flame, add the ginger, garlic, fresh chilies, chili flakes and cumin and stir-fry briefly, until they are fragrant. Return beef to the wok and stir well, seasoning with salt to taste.
- When beef is sizzling and fragrant,add scallion greens and toss briefly. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1080, UnsaturatedFat 84 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 112 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 476 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 1 gram
Tips:
- To ensure tender and flavorful beef, choose flank steak or skirt steak, which are known for their quick cooking time and robust flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the beef against the grain. This technique helps break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch. This marinade helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with savory flavors.
- When stir-frying, use a well-seasoned wok or large skillet over high heat. This helps create a nice sear on the beef and prevents it from sticking.
- Add the beef to the wok in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Stir-fry each batch until the beef is just cooked through, about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Use fresh celery for the best flavor and texture. Cut the celery diagonally into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Add the celery to the wok along with the beef and stir-fry until the celery is tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the dish with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cumin is the star ingredient in this recipe, so don't be shy with it.
- Serve the stir-fried beef and celery immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
Conclusion:
This cumin-scented stir-fried beef with celery is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The beef is tender and savory, the celery is crisp and refreshing, and the cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor. Serve this dish over rice or noodles, and you'll have a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a simple yet delicious stir-fry recipe, give this one a try.
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