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Sweet and Sour Beef

A delightful blend of flavors, this Sweet and Sour Beef dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, bringing a comforting mix of sweetness and tanginess.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Marinade
  • 300 grams Beef steak, cut into thin strips Tender and juicy.
  • 2 tsp Soy sauce Adds depth to the beef.
  • 2 tsp Ginger, grated Provides a warm, aromatic kick.
  • 2 tsp Garlic, grated Compliments the sweetness.
  • 2 tsp Sesame oil Infuses a nutty richness.
  • ¼ tsp White pepper Enhances flavor profile.
  • ¼ tsp Baking soda Helps tenderize the beef.
  • 1 Egg white Helps bind the cornstarch.
  • 6 tbsp Cornstarch Coating for crispiness.
Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar Adds rich sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar Defines the dish's tanginess.
  • 3 tbsp Water Mixing sauce.
  • 1 tsp Chicken bouillon Enhances umami flavors.
  • 3 tbsp Tomato ketchup Adds sweetness and color.
  • ½ tsp Cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
  • 1 tsp Salt To elevate all flavors.
Vegetables
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced For robust flavor.
  • ½ Onion Thinly sliced Adds sweetness and texture.
  • ½ Red bell pepper Adds brightness.
  • ½ Green bell pepper Adds freshness and crunch.
  • 1-2 Spring onions, sliced thinly For garnish.
For Frying
  • Oil for frying Neutral-flavored (sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil).

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the beef into thin strips and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, baking soda, and grated ginger. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Coating
  1. After marination, add egg white and combine it well with the beef strips.
  2. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and coat each strip thoroughly.
Frying
  1. Heat oil in a frying pan until hot.
  2. Add the coated beef strips and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  3. Remove the beef from the oil and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, chicken bouillon, tomato ketchup, and an additional ½ teaspoon of cornstarch.
  2. Whisk until sugar is fully dissolved.
Cooking the Vegetables
  1. In a wok or large frying pan heated over medium heat, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of oil.
  2. Add minced garlic, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
Combining
  1. Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the sautéed vegetables and stir well.
  2. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened and glossy.
  3. Add the fried beef strips and toss everything until well coated.
Serving
  1. Garnish with freshly sliced spring onions and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispy texture, allow the coated beef to rest before frying. Adjust sweetness and tanginess based on preferences. Using a wok enhances flavors.