This speedy 20-minute stir fry features thinly sliced beef and fresh vegetables tossed in a delectable sauce. It’s a healthy, versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prep!
If you’re a fan of garlic butter steak bites or steak stir-fries, you’ll adore this shaved steak stir fry recipe. It’s a fail-safe meal that combines melt-in-your-mouth meat and crispy veggies in a straightforward yet flavorful stir-fry sauce. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, requiring no exotic ingredients or complex techniques!
Table of Contents: Why This Recipe Works:
- Star Ingredient: Shaved steak takes the spotlight for its exceptional searing qualities and its ability to soak up flavors, resulting in tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat.
- Versatile Recipe: Customize this recipe according to your taste preferences. Experiment with ingredients or swap asparagus for your preferred vegetables.
- Quick 20-Minute Meal: You can have this beef and asparagus stir fry ready in no time, delivering superior taste compared to takeout.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This high-protein beef dish is perfect for meal prep. Combine the sauce-coated veggies and beef with rice or cauliflower rice for convenient and satisfying meals throughout the week.
What Is Shaved Steak? “Shaved steak” or “shaved beef” refers to ultra-thin, tender cuts of beef, typically sliced using a meat slicer. It’s a popular choice for dishes like stir-fries and cheesesteaks, as it can be quickly cooked over high heat without drying out.
Ingredients: You won’t need any exotic or hard-to-find ingredients to create a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home:
- Steak: Select a cut suitable for thin slicing, such as sirloin, flat iron, or filet mignon. Tougher cuts like flank steak can also be used; just ensure you slice them thinly against the grain and marinate in the stir-fry sauce for a few hours to tenderize the meat fibers.
- Cornstarch: Coating the meat in cornstarch provides a crispy brown crust and thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy consistency that clings to the beef and veggies.
- Olive Oil: Or any neutral-flavored vegetable oil for searing.
- Asparagus: Trim the ends and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Green Onions: Diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces.
- For the Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce forms the umami-rich base of the sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. Fresh garlic and ginger add savory, aromatic notes, while brown sugar balances the flavors. Salt and black pepper are used to taste.
How to Make Shaved Steak Stir-Fry:
- Coat in Cornstarch: Toss thin steak slices in cornstarch and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Marinate the Beef: Pour half of the stir-fry sauce over the beef and toss to coat.
- Brown the Beef: Sear steak pieces in a hot oiled skillet until browned, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add asparagus and scallions to the same pan and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Finish the Stir-Fry: Return the steak to the pan, pour in the remaining sauce, stir well, and cook until the sauce thickens. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks:
- Freeze the Beef: Place the beef in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing for easier handling.
- Marinate the Shaved Beef: Marinate steak slices in the stir-fry sauce for up to 24 hours in the fridge to enhance flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Be Prepared: As this is a fast-paced dish, having all ingredients prepped and ready is essential.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Use a large enough pan to accommodate the beef and vegetables without overcrowding, preventing steaming.
Recipe Variations:
- Vary the Vegetables: Replace asparagus with your favorite stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, snow peas, cabbage, bok choy, baby corn, mushrooms, water chestnuts, or carrots.
- Customize the Sauce: Experiment with additional ingredients like sesame oil, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, ketchup, chili garlic sauce, or sriracha to tailor the sauce to your liking.
- Try Different Sauces: Prepare this stir-fry with alternative umami-packed sauces such as eel sauce, bulgogi sauce, or tempura sauce.
- Pair with a Starch: Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice, spicy noodles, or cauliflower fried rice for a hearty meal.
Storage Instructions:
- To Store: Let the leftover stir fry cool and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm the steak and asparagus in the microwave or a pan over medium heat.
