Velveting the Beef: A Technique for Tender Meat

To achieve the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness characteristic of Chinese stir-fried beef, we use a method called “velveting.” This process involves marinating the beef with baking soda and water, which helps tenderize the meat. The baking soda breaks down the muscle fibers, allowing the beef to stay tender during the stir-fry process.

Start by combining the thinly sliced flank steak (or beef chuck) with baking soda and water in a bowl. Massage the beef for about 1-2 minutes, allowing most of the liquid to be absorbed by the meat. Let the beef sit for 1-2 hours, then rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda. After draining, the beef is ready to be marinated and stir-fried.

Marinating the Beef: Adding Flavor

Once the beef has been velveted, we marinate it with cornstarch, vegetable oil, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine (optional, but recommended for added depth of flavor). Marinating the beef not only imparts extra flavor but also helps to create a silky smooth texture when the beef is cooked. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, though marinating overnight in the fridge will yield even better results.

Preparing the Sauce: Umami in a Bottle

The sauce for this dish is a combination of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, thanks to the black bean and garlic sauce. It’s what gives the dish its deep, umami-packed flavor. To prepare the sauce, mix together low-sodium beef stock, black bean and garlic sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well combined and set aside.

Stir-Frying the Beef and Vegetables: Quick and High-Heat Cooking

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it starts to lightly smoke. This high heat is essential to searing the beef quickly, ensuring that it develops a flavorful crust while remaining tender inside. Add the marinated beef in one layer and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.

In the same wok, add the remaining oil and stir-fry the onions and red bell peppers. Cook for about 30 seconds until the vegetables are lightly seared. The vegetables should still have some crispness to them, providing texture and balance to the dish. Add Shaoxing wine to deglaze the wok, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the beef.

Bringing It All Together: Combine and Thicken the Sauce

Now it’s time to bring the dish together. Add the prepared sauce to the wok and bring it to a simmer. Return the beef to the wok, along with any juices that have collected. Add the snow peas and stir everything together. The snow peas should remain crisp-tender, providing a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the savory beef.

To thicken the sauce, stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then gradually add it to the sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more water or beef stock to adjust the texture.

Serving the Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and the snow peas are cooked to perfection, remove the dish from heat. Serve immediately over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with additional herbs or chopped green onions for a burst of freshness.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of this flavorful Beef with Black Bean Sauce contains approximately 313 calories, with 28 grams of protein and 16 grams of fat. The dish is also rich in fiber (2g) and provides a moderate amount of sodium (923mg), which can be adjusted depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs. The combination of protein and vegetables makes this a balanced and satisfying meal, while the umami-filled sauce makes it a truly delightful experience.

Conclusion

Beef with Black Bean Sauce is a savory, rich, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make at home. By using the velvetting technique to tenderize the beef and preparing a flavorful black bean sauce, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to please any palate. With the addition of crisp vegetables like snow peas and red bell peppers, this dish is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Beef with Black Bean Sauce is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Serve it with steamed rice and enjoy the perfect balance of salty, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.