Tomato Beef Stir-Fry
Submitted by mje3fans
Tomato beef stir-fry with sirloin marinated in soy and sherry, fresh tomato wedges, bell pepper, and a curry-ketchup cooking sauce. A weeknight stir-fry with real punch.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
20COOK
15 minREADY
35 minThin-sliced sirloin gets a quick soy and sherry marinade, then hits a screaming hot pan with ginger and garlic before fresh tomato wedges, bell pepper, celery, and onion join the party. The cooking sauce is where this recipe takes an unexpected turn: ketchup, Worcestershire, curry powder, and cornstarch create a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to everything.
Cutting the beef with the grain into strips first, then slicing thin across the grain, gives you pieces that stay tender and won’t shred apart during high-heat cooking. The tomatoes go in last and only get one minute in the pan so they soften slightly but hold their shape.
Kitchen Tips
- Get your pan truly hot before the oil goes in. Stir-fry in a lukewarm pan and the meat will steam and turn grey instead of browning.
- Cook the beef in a single batch only if your pan is large enough to hold it without crowding. Crowded meat releases moisture and won’t sear.
- Remove the beef after browning, then cook the vegetables in stages from firmest to softest. This keeps each ingredient at the right texture.
- Mix the cooking sauce ingredients together before you start cooking. Once the wok is hot, there’s no time to measure.
Variations
Ingredients
Directions
Cut each tomato into 6 wedges.
Cut pepper into 1 inch squares.
Cut celery into ¼ inch slanted slices.
Cut beef into 1½ inch wide strips with the grain, then cut into ⅛ inch slices across the grain.
In a bowl, stir together cornstarch, soy, sherry, and water.
Add meat and stir to coat, then stir in 1½ teaspoons of oil and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Meanwhile prepare cooking sauce and set aside.
Place stir-fry pan over high heat, when hot add 2 tablespoons of oil.
When oil begins to heat, add ginger and garlic and stir once.
Add meat mixture and stir fry until meat is browned (1½ to 2 minutes).
Remove from pan and set aside.
Pour remaining oil into pan.
When hot, add celery and onion and stir fry for 1 minute.
Add bell pepper and stir fry for one more minute.
Add a few drops of water if pan looks dry.
Add tomatoes and stir fry for 1 minute.
Return meat to pan and add cooking sauce.
Stir until sauce thickens.
Season to taste with salt.
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