Description
This Beef Tomato Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and a savory umami sauce. With the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is a staple in many Asian cuisines.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a sweeter sauce)
For Thickening (Optional):
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with a little water
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Beef:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to prevent toughness.
- In a bowl, marinate the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavor and enhance tenderness.
2. Cooking the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Cooking the Tomatoes and Sauce:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil (if needed) and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in ¼ cup water or beef broth to create a rich sauce.
- Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce for a deep umami flavor.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar.
4. Final Assembly:
- Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss it with the tomato sauce.
- Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix ½ teaspoon cornstarch with water and stir it in.
5. Serving:
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra tender beef, marinate for 30 minutes or use baking soda (¼ teaspoon) in the marinade.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra texture and variety.
- For a spicy kick, add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 28g