Tomato Beef is a delightful dish that marries the richness of succulent beef with the freshness of tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe showcases the versatility of beef, transforming it into a delectable stir-fry that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the steps to create this Tomato Beef masterpiece.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean boneless beef steak, such as top round, flank, sirloin, or New York steak
– 2 tsps soy sauce
– 2 tsps cornstarch
– 1 tsp dry sherry
– 1 tsp water
– 1/4 cup cooking oil
– 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 stalks of celery, cut into 1/4-inch slanting slices
– 1 onion, cut into wedges
– 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares
– 3 tomatoes, each cut into 6 wedges
– Salt to taste
Cooking Sauce:
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 3 tsps ketchup
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef
– Cut the beef into 1/8-inch slices.
– In a bowl, stir together cornstarch, soy sauce, dry sherry, and water.
– Add the beef to the mixture, ensuring each slice is thoroughly coated.
– Stir in 1 1/2 tsps of cooking oil and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Cooking Sauce
– In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, ketchup, curry powder, and water to create the cooking sauce.
– Set aside for later use.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef
– Heat a wok over high heat and add 2 tsps of cooking oil.
– Add minced ginger and garlic, stir once.
– Add marinated beef and stir-fry until brown.
– Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
– Reheat the wok with the remaining 1 1/2 tsps of cooking oil.
– Stir-fry celery and onion for 1 minute.
– Add tomatoes and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Combine and Thicken
– Return the cooked beef to the wok.
– Stir in the cooking sauce mixture, bringing it to a boil and allowing it to thicken.
– Season the dish with salt to taste.
6. Serve
– Transfer the Tomato Beef to a serving platter.
– Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired.
Conclusion
Tomato Beef is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine. With the perfect balance of savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a zesty tomato-based sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, Tomato Beef promises a symphony of flavors in every delightful bite. Embrace the joy of cooking with this delicious and straightforward recipe that brings together the best of land and vine.
