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Sha Cha Beef

Savory Sha Cha Beef Stir Fry for Flavorful Home Cooking

This Savory Sha Cha Beef recipe is a delightful stir fry that captures the essence of Gansu cuisine, perfect for quick home cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound Sirloin Steak Flank steak can be used as a leaner alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch Can be swapped with arrowroot powder if preferred.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil Sesame oil can be used for an aromatic twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential for enhancing flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or Himalayan salt can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for a milder option.
  • 2 pieces Red Chile Peppers Dried chili flakes can also be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Shallots Aromatics for the sauce.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Minced.
  • 1 tablespoon Powdered Shrimp Omit for vegetarian version.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Alternative flours can be used for gluten-free adjustments.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari can be used for gluten-free.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Chopped Cabbage Adds color and crunch.
  • 1 cup Carrots Chopped.
  • 1 bunch Green Onions Adds flavor and garnish.
For Garnishing
  • 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds Enhances flavor and presentation.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Optional.

Equipment

  • Wok
  • Saucepan
  • Food processor
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Beef and Vegetables: Allow the sirloin steak to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Wash and chop the cabbage, carrots, and green onions into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Sha Cha Sauce: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan, sauté chopped red chile peppers, shallots, minced garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Blend into a Paste: Transfer the sautéed mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth, then return it to the pan over low heat.
  4. Cook the Sauce: Stir in the powdered shrimp, rice wine vinegar, flour, and sugar, then bring to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes.
  5. Season the Beef: Toss the sliced sirloin steak with vegetable oil, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika.
  6. Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a wok over high heat, add seasoned beef, cooking for about 1 minute per side until browned.
  7. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same wok, add chopped vegetables and stir-fry for about 3 minutes.
  8. Combine and Serve: Add cooked beef back into the wok with the sha cha sauce, toss to combine, and cook on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the sirloin steak to reach room temperature before cooking and watch closely during cooking for ideal tenderness.

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