| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 525 | 21g | 7g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 40g | 0.9g |
There’s something incredibly satisfying about combining flavors from different parts of the world in one meal. The Beef Stir Fry with Huacatay and Pea Shoots does just that, blending zest and color in a way that’s truly irresistible. Originating from Peru, Huacatay, also known as Peruvian black mint, lends an exotic twist to this stir-fry, which marries well with the freshness of pea shoots and sweetness of bell peppers. Oh, and the beef, so tender it almost melts in the mouth!
Stir-fry, a Dance in Your Pan
As a dance teacher, I can’t help but love the beautiful choreography that stir-frying all these ingredients involve. In this entrancing performance, each ingredient retains its unique flavor, while also contributing to the vibrant symphony that is the traditional stir-fry. The sizzling sounds, the vibrant colors, and the fragrant aromas, to me, it’s a dance in a pan!
Much like the Spanish dishes I grew up cooking, the secret to a good stir-fry lies in its simplicity. A selection of fresh ingredients, a hot pan, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning is all it takes to create a mouthwatering meal. Plus, with lean beef as the star, this dish is both tasty and chock-full of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Perfect Pairings and Health Perks
As a standalone, Beef Stir Fry with Huacatay and Pea Shoots is a satisfying, one-dish meal. But if you’re up for a little gastronomical adventure, pairing it with Caribbean-inspired Cuban Black Beans makes for an unforgettable dinner. The earthy beans enhance the tropical feel of the stir-fry, while the rice provides a comforting foundation that ties all the flavors together.
But beyond its compelling taste and texture, this dish doesn’t skimp on the health benefits. Lean beef provides high-quality protein crucial for muscle building and recovery. The rainbow of veggies contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that boost digestion and immunity. Olive oil, rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, lends a subtle fruitiness and elevates the dish’s nutritional quotient even further.
So, whether you’re a stir-fry connoisseur or a novice in the kitchen, this Beef Stir Fry with Huacatay and Pea Shoots is a dish you’ll undoubtedly love and come back to again and again. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs lean beef, thinly sliced
- 2 cups pea shoots
- 1 bunch of huacatay (Peruvian black mint), finely chopped
- 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice for serving
Method
Step One
Season the thinly sliced beef with salt, peppar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure all the pieces are well coated on both sides.
Step Two
Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and stir fry until it is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, minced garlic and julienned carrots. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step Four
Add the chopped huacatay (Peruvian black mint) and pea shoots into the pan. Stir-fry for around 2 minutes until the pea shoots are wilted.
Step Five
Return the beef to the pan alongside the sugar snap peas. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce and the 1/4 cup of water. Continue to stir fry on high heat until everything is well combined.
Step Six
Dissolve the remaining cornstarch in a little bit of water and add to the pan. Stir well until the sauce thickens.
Step Seven
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little bit more soy sauce or a sprinkle of sugar if you prefer a sweeter stir-fry. Continue to stir fry for another minute or so, then remove from heat.
Step Eight
Serve the beef stir fry on top of steamed rice. Enjoy it while it’s hot.
