Recipe For Shaking Beef

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Introduction

Shaking beef, also known as B Lc Lc, is a beloved Vietnamese dish renowned for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, tender beef, and satisfying wok-hei (smoky, charred aroma). Its popularity stems from its simplicity, relatively quick cooking time, and the impressive burst of flavors achieved through a vibrant marinade and rapid stir-frying. The dish is frequently enjoyed in Vietnamese restaurants worldwide and is a favorite for home cooks seeking an authentic and delicious culinary experience.

Ingredients

The key to excellent shaking beef lies in quality ingredients. Heres a list of the essentials, along with potential substitutions:

• Beef: 1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes. Tenderloin is ideal for its tenderness, but sirloin is a more budget-friendly option. Avoid tough cuts like chuck.
• Marinade:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced shallot
• Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetables: 1 red onion, cut into wedges; 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying. Peanut oil can also be used for its high smoke point.
• Garnish: Watercress or lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, cooked rice.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for tender and flavorful shaking beef.

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better during stir-frying.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, black pepper, garlic, and shallot. Mix well to ensure all the beef is coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating enhances the flavor penetration, but avoid over-marinating, which can make the beef mushy.
3. Prepare the Sauce: While the beef is marinating, prepare the dipping sauce by combining lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the red onion and bell pepper into uniform sizes. Mince the garlic. Having all the ingredients prepped before you start cooking is essential for a successful stir-fry.

Tip: Using a meat tenderizer on the beef cubes before marinating can further enhance their tenderness.

Cooking Instructions

The key to perfectly cooked shaking beef is high heat and quick cooking.

1. Heat the Wok: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot. This is crucial for achieving wok-hei.
2. Stir-fry the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the wok). Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides but still slightly pink inside. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic, red onion wedges, and bell pepper pieces. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Stir-fry for another minute to combine all the ingredients and heat through.
5. “Shake” the Beef: As you stir-fry in the final minute, use a quick, “shaking” motion with the wok to toss the beef and vegetables. This helps to distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the beef from sticking to the wok.

Recommended Time and Temperature: High heat is essential. The total cooking time for the beef should be no more than 2-3 minutes to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature of the beef should reach 130-135F (54-57C) for medium-rare.

Serving Suggestions

Shaking beef is typically served hot and enjoyed with various accompaniments.

• Traditional Accompaniments: Serve the shaking beef over a bed of fresh watercress or lettuce leaves.
• Side Dishes: Steamed jasmine rice is a must-have. Fried rice is another great option. A simple cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef.
• Garnish: Garnish with sliced tomatoes and a drizzle of the lime dipping sauce.
• Plating Ideas: Arrange the watercress on a plate, top with the shaking beef, and garnish with tomatoes. Serve the dipping sauce on the side for dipping each bite.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Mastering shaking beef requires attention to detail.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the wok and results in steamed, rather than stir-fried, beef. Cook in batches if necessary.
• High Heat is Key: Ensure the wok is smoking hot before adding the beef. This creates the signature wok-hei flavor and sears the beef quickly.
• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Cook the beef just until it is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste the marinade and dipping sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed to achieve a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially the lime juice, make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning to prepare shaking beef unlocks a world of delicious possibilities. Its vibrant flavors and relatively simple preparation make it a rewarding dish to master. The adaptability of the recipe allows for customization based on personal preferences and available ingredients, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Embark on this culinary journey, try shaking beef at home, and discover more exciting cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com.