Beef

Beef in Plum Sauce

By Jerry ⋅ May 3, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Making Asian inspired dishes should not be daunting. While it’s true that there are a lot of very complicated recipes for Oriental cuisine, there are likewise a ton of simple recipes you can experiment with while you master the techniques. The trick is to play with the flavors available in your local ethnic aisle and find what you like. Before you know it, your friends will be calling you for take-out orders!

I created this dish for my wife, who has issues with spicy foods (and therefore most off the shelf Asian sauces and glazes.) Plum sauce is very mildly spiced and lends not only a wonderful flavor, but a rather intense glaze to this simple stir fried beef. The ingredient list can be found at any Mega-Mart, prep time is only a few minutes and cook time is nearly instant. This one will Wow you, I promise!

Beef in Plum Sauce

Ingredients:

(Recipe serves two if used as a course in its own right.  Adjust measurements accordingly depending on number of servings required.)

• Approximately 1.5 pounds lean beef, cut in thin strips roughly 2-inches long, all fat trimmed and discarded.
• 1/4 of 1 red onion, cut in strips or 2 scallions cut in 2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce (Full Dark, not light)
• 1 tbsp Plum Sauce
• 1 tsp. honey
• A pinch of salt and 8 grinds fresh black pepper.
• 2 tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying.

Method:

Trim and slice beef and place in a zip-top storage bag.

Tip:  To slice as thinly as possible, it’s best to put the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes prior to slicing.  Use a very sharp knife for this.)

Mix soy sauce, plum sauce, honey, salt and pepper together in a small bowl.  Pour mixture over beef and gently massage the bag until all pieces are evenly coated.  Place in refrigerator for at least two hours and up to 24 hours.  When ready to use, remove to a counter top and allow to come to room temperature. (at least 20 minutes in a 75 degree house.)

Heat oil in a wok or heavy skillet over high heat.  Add beef and onions, stirring continuously for about three minutes.  Remove from heat and place in a serving bowl.

Serve hot or room temperature.  Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

What I would have done differently had I thought of it at the time:

I think next time I’ll add a bit of garlic and perhaps a bit of chopped prune or dried cranberries.  I think that would be a good addition.  Feel free to leave a suggestion for beefing up this lovely little beef dish.

Links to other recipes like this:

• Beef Stir Fry, from Equal Opportunity Kitchen

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