This week marks the first of a Speedy Stir Frys Series from my second half in the kitchen. Long before I attended culinary school and decided to make a career around the realm of food, we were just two college students that really enjoyed good food. I started this blog and the rest is history. This small section is a welcomed addition to Chocolate Shavings and I hope you enjoy it.
Always an avid taster of the recipes I develop, O. has witnessed the making of this blog since day one. We share a passion for photography and eating and spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. He will be writing a weekly section on his favourite stir fry recipes.. many of which we enjoy on busy weeknights…. so welcome!
Dear Chocolate Shavings readers,
It’s long been my belief that the advent of asian fast food joints have given stir frying a bad name. It’s become synonomous with chunks of cheap meat, covered in a sickly sweet sauce sitting in a pool of oil.
A couple years ago, Jenn bought me a Breath of a Wok, by Grace Young, and it has truly transformed the way I cook. I’ve discovered how stir frying correctly can be a versatile, powerful style of cooking. For the many many recipes Jenn has expertly served me over the years, I thought I’d contribute a tiny amount to the culinary wisdom that she shares.
Green Bean and Beef Stir Fry
Serves 2-3 people
This is a classic stir fry of mine. It has all the essential parts: simple ingredients prepared quickly and methodically to bring out deep, clean flavors. The most important part of the dish is the sear: leaving the beans and then the beef to sit, undisturbed, on high heat.
2 tablespoons of Shao Hsing rice wine (a chinese rice wine easily available in most asian grocers)
1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
2 teaspoons of cornstarch
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, diced
300 of flank steak
3 handfuls of green beans, ends trimmed
2 teaspoons of black sesame seeds
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Mix together the soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. Take the flank steak and cut across the grain into 2-3 inch portions. For each portion, cut with the grain into 3-4 sheets. Stack the sheets and slice finely against the grain into strips. Mix the meat into marinade.
Preheat the wok or skillet to medium-hot.
Prepare the green beans, trimming the ends and washing thoroughly. Blanch in the salted water for 2-3 minutes and drain.
Now you’re ready to stir fry: Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the hot pan. Add in your meat mixture. Let it sear for 30-40 seconds. Spinkle on the garlic and ginger. Stir fry briefly then push meat to the side of the pan. Add the drained green beats and, similarly, allow to sear at the bottom of the pan for 30-45 seconds. Stir fry entire mixture for 1-2 minutes until meat and beans are cooked through. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve with noodles or rice.
Enjoy the read!
Chanel11
August 31, 2010 at 7:44 pm (14 years ago)Speedy meal posts are more than welcome!
Asha @ FSK
August 31, 2010 at 10:12 pm (14 years ago)very inviting photo and speedy to go with it! I am sold!
marifra79
September 1, 2010 at 4:30 am (14 years ago)Your dish is irresistible! wonderful recipe!!!!!
Bye
Come At Me Bro
September 1, 2010 at 9:52 am (14 years ago)I want some!
Mary
September 2, 2010 at 11:27 am (14 years ago)This sounds (and looks!) fabulous!
YUM!
Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls
Kay Heritage
September 2, 2010 at 12:06 pm (14 years ago)LOVE stir fry! Great looking food there!
Trissa
September 2, 2010 at 6:25 pm (14 years ago)Hi O and Jenn – I’m glad to have read your post today – nothing beats a good stir fry – especially after a long day at work. Looking forward to the series!
Jessica
September 3, 2010 at 12:18 pm (14 years ago)Love fast and easy meals. Stir fry is my favorite!
jessyburke88@gmail.com
Anna
September 3, 2010 at 7:24 pm (14 years ago)I am always blown away by your amazing talent with your camera. Your pictures are amazing. It looks delicious.
Joseph's Grainery Recipes
September 7, 2010 at 6:31 pm (14 years ago)looks delicious, healthy and hard to believe it’s healthy to boot!
Kathryn
September 9, 2010 at 1:43 pm (14 years ago)I am definitely impressed- that looks amazing! If you’re interested in entering a Halloween recipe contest, I’d love to see what you come up with! You can go here to learn more about it.
Patrice @ Circle-B-Kitchen
September 12, 2010 at 4:00 pm (14 years ago)Love the idea of the Speedy Stir Fry Series! And this one looks awesome! I’ve got beans coming out of the garden faster than I can use them, so this will be perfect. Thanks!
Anonymous
September 20, 2010 at 10:50 pm (14 years ago)What do you do with the garlic and ginger in this receipe? Thanks for your help!
Anonymous
September 20, 2010 at 11:35 pm (14 years ago)Duh! found the ginger and garlic!
Chocolate Shavings
September 21, 2010 at 7:38 am (14 years ago)Anonymous: We added it in, thank you!