Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect choice for a weeknight meal due to its ease and speed. It features tender beef sautéed with mushrooms and snow peas, all drenched in a tangy, homemade Asian sauce. The addition of tamari sauce (or soy sauce) brings a rich umami flavor, while the garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar balance the dish with just the right amount of kick. It's a family-friendly, protein-packed dinner that is also adaptable if you want to swap in other vegetables or types of beef.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Asian Sauce:
- ½ cup tamari sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (add more to taste)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
For the Beef:
- 10 oz snow peas
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 oz mushrooms, sliced thinly
- 1 lb beef (sirloin steak strips, flank steak, or other boneless cuts)
Directions
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Prepare the Asian sauce: Combine tamari sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a bowl and whisk until well combined. Set aside.
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Cook the snow peas: Bring water to a boil in a medium pan. Add snow peas and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the mushrooms: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the thinly sliced mushrooms and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt. Once browned, remove the mushrooms and set them aside.
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Sear the beef: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced beef in batches, making sure each slice touches the bottom of the skillet for optimal browning. Cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.
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Assemble the dish: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with the snow peas and mushrooms. Pour in the Asian sauce, stir to combine, and cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Remove from heat and cover with a lid.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Beef Options: You can use flank steak, sirloin strips, or any boneless beef cut. Slice thinly for the best texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap snow peas with broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the dish seems dry.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, but be aware that soy sauce is saltier than tamari. You may want to use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
3. How do I slice beef thinly?
It’s easiest to slice beef thinly when it’s partially frozen. You can briefly microwave it to thaw it slightly before slicing.
4. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, green bell peppers, or asparagus would all be great alternatives to snow peas.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, this dish is gluten-free.
6. How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain, and don’t overcook it to ensure tenderness.
7. What’s a good side dish for this recipe?
Serve with rice (white, brown, or jasmine) or noodles for a complete meal.
8. Can I use frozen snow peas?
Fresh snow peas are ideal, but you can use frozen ones if needed. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
9. How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar to taste.
10. Can I use other types of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of boneless beef such as rib-eye, round steak, or skirt steak, as long as they are sliced thinly.
Conclusion
Asian Beef with Snow Peas is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a savory, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it with your preferred vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
