Beef Tomato Stir-fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak)
(sliced into ¼-inch/6mm thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil)
(such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- (or to taste1 teaspoon sugar)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil)
(such as vegetable, canola, or avocado oil; divided
- 2 slices ginger)
(1/8-inch/3mm thick; 2 slices = about 4g
- 1 clove garlic)
(finely minced
- ¼ cup shallot)
(sliced
- 1 scallion )
(cut on an angle into 2-inch/5cm pieces at an angle; white and green parts separated
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes)
cut into bite-size wedges (2 pounds/900g = 4 to 5 large tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch)
(mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- 1
In a medium bowl, add the sliced beef, water, cornstarch, baking soda, oil, and oyster sauce. Mix well, and set aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Also, combine all the ingredients for the sauce base—the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper—in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- 2
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the wok and heat until just smoking. Spread the beef around the wok and sear for 1 minute until 80% done and remove from the wok. Set aside.
- 3
Heat another tablespoon of oil in the wok over medium heat. Add the ginger slices, and let caramelize for 10 seconds. Turn the heat up to high, and add the minced garlic, shallot, and the white portions of the scallion. Toss for 10 seconds. Add the ketchup, and fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- 4
Next, add the tomato wedges to the wok. Spread them around the wok in an even layer, and let sear for 15 seconds. Add the Shaoxing wine, and stir-fry the mixture for another 10 seconds. Now push everything to one side of the wok.
- 5
On the cleared space of the wok, add the sauce base. Stir until bubbling to meld the flavors together.
- 6
Now it's time to add the beef (along with any beef juices) back to the wok. Stir–fry everything on high heat until mixed well and sizzling (about 20 seconds). Be sure not to overcook the tomatoes, or they will disintegrate into the sauce!
- 7
Toss in the remaining scallion greens, and add the cornstarch slurry a little at a time until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Let the sauce cook for 15 seconds after adding the last bit of the cornstarch slurry to ensure the starch is cooked. Plate and serve immediately with steamed rice!
Beef Tomato Stir-fry
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About this Recipe
Capture the essence of late summer with this comforting Beef Tomato Stir-fry, a recipe born from cherished memories of garden-fresh tomatoes and a sizzling wok. You'll love how this dish delivers vibrant, savory flavors right in your own kitchen.
What makes this stir-fry truly special is the perfect balance between tender beef and the bright, tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes. We achieve incredibly succulent beef through a traditional velveting technique, using cornstarch and baking soda, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. This classic approach combined with the unique addition of ketchup alongside fresh tomatoes creates a deeply satisfying sauce that's both familiar and distinctly flavorful.
Get ready for an aromatic experience with tender slices of flank steak enveloped in a rich, glossy sauce. The fresh, ripe tomatoes break down just enough to lend their juicy sweetness and a pleasant tang, beautifully complementing the savory beef. You'll taste the warmth of ginger and garlic, brightened by scallions and a hint of sesame oil, all tied together in a harmonious, savory-sweet profile. Despite a bit of prep, the actual cooking comes together incredibly fast, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Customization & Variations
While flank steak provides excellent texture, you could experiment with other quick-cooking beef cuts. For a different twist, consider swapping the beef for chicken breast or even firm tofu, adjusting cook times accordingly. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of white pepper. Feel free to adjust the sugar or ketchup to fine-tune the balance of sweetness and tanginess to your liking.
This flavorful Beef Tomato Stir-fry is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal. Serve it simply over steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.