In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook elaborate meals can be a challenge. However, with the right recipe and a few clever techniques, you can whip up a delicious and tender beef dish in just 5 minutes. This recipe not only promises a mouth-watering meal but also ensures that your beef is perfectly tender, using ingredients like baking soda to tenderize the meat quickly. Here’s how to make tender beef in 5 minutes, using simple ingredients and a quick cooking method.
Ingredients:
- Beef: 500g/1 pound, thinly sliced
- Tenderizing Agent: 1 tsp baking soda
- Vegetables: 1 onion (sliced), 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced), 1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- For the Sauce:
- 1 big clove garlic (minced) or 2 small cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili sauce
Instructions:
1. Tenderize the Beef:
- Start by placing your thinly sliced beef in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp of baking soda evenly over the beef. Gently massage the baking soda into the beef, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This process breaks down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in tender meat.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 minced garlic clove (or 2, if they’re small), 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp chili sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This sauce will add a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to the beef.
3. Rinse the Beef:
- After the beef has been sitting with the baking soda for 5 minutes, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to avoid any residual baking soda taste.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, increase the heat to high. Add the beef slices, spreading them out in a single layer. Let them sear without moving them for about 1 minute, then stir-fry quickly until the beef is just cooked through, which should take another 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine, cooking for an additional minute to ensure everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
7. Serving:
- Serve your tender beef immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This “Tender Beef in 5 Minutes” recipe demonstrates that with a bit of knowledge and the right ingredients, creating a delicious and sophisticated meal doesn’t have to be time-consuming. By tenderizing the beef with baking soda and using a quick-cook method, you can enjoy a gourmet-like dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing a meal for a family, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and delicious outcome.