Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a culinary journey to explore the art of Sesame Beef. This classic Asian dish, with its tender beef strips and nutty sesame sauce, has always been a personal favorite, and I can’t wait to share its charm with you.

A Brief History: Sesame Beef is a staple in many Asian cuisines, known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It’s traditionally made by stir-frying marinated beef strips and then tossing them in a rich, nutty sesame sauce. The result is a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and truly unforgettable.

Table of Contents

Chinese Sesame Beef

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 people

Calories 344 kcal

Equipment

1 large pan or wok
1 small bowl
1 sealable bag
1 plate

Ingredients

2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon peanut oil
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound boneless sirloin steak thinly sliced in strips against the grain
2-3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Rice for serving

Instructions

In small bowl, add soy sauce, dry sherry, sugar, red pepper flake, rice vinegar, and cornstarch, and whisk until fully incorporated. Place in a sealable bag with sirloin steak strips. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Drain steak onto a plate and reserve remaining marinade sauce.
In a small dry pan, toast sesame seeds over medium heat, until the seeds are aromatic, about 1 minute.
In a large pan or wok, heat on medium-high, add both oils and heat for another 30 seconds. Once the oil is heated add garlic and steak strips. Stir fry for about 3 minutes.
Stir in reserved marinade sauce. Stir to coat and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
Add the toasted sesame seeds once sauce is thick.
Serve with rice.

Video

Notes

To achieve tender and succulent beef, choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye. Cut the beef into thin strips, ensuring quick and even cooking. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of cornstarch to enhance its flavor and tenderness. Stir-fry the beef until it's cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy and melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Keyword Beef

Cooking Tips

Creating the perfect Sesame Beef is a culinary journey that requires attention to detail, a love for flavor, and a willingness to experiment. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years that might help you on your journey.

Choose Your Cut: The cut of beef you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well in this dish as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, flank steak could also work.
Marinate Your Beef: Marinating your beef before cooking can help tenderize it and enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch can do wonders. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
Use Fresh Sesame Seeds: The star of this dish is the sesame seeds. Using fresh sesame seeds will give your dish a nutty flavor and a beautiful crunch. Toast the sesame seeds lightly before using them to bring out their flavor.
Balance Your Flavors: Sesame Beef is known for its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. Make sure to balance these flavors to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar. If you prefer a saltier dish, add a bit more soy sauce.
Don’t Overcook Your Beef: To ensure your beef stays tender, avoid overcooking it. Stir-fry the beef just until it changes color, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can return it to the pan towards the end of cooking, just long enough for it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok for stir-frying. Its high, sloping sides and wide top allow for quick, even cooking, which is essential for stir-fry dishes.
Pair with Rice: The savory, robust flavors of Sesame Beef pair perfectly with steamed rice. The rice not only complements the flavors of the dish but also helps to soak up the delicious sauce.

Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. These tips are just guidelines – feel free to tweak them to suit your taste. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, the best dishes are made with love!

How to Serve Sesame Beef

Serving Sesame Beef is about more than just plating a dish; it’s about creating a culinary experience that delights all your senses. Here’s how you can turn a simple stir-fry into a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

Choose the Right Plate: The first step in serving Sesame Beef is choosing the right plate. A large, flat plate works best as it allows room for the beef and any sides without crowding. If you have traditional Chinese plates, even better! The white color of the plate provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
Arrange Your Components: Start by placing a mound of steamed rice or noodles on one side of the plate. Then, arrange your Sesame Beef next to it. The key is to create a balance of colors and textures. The tender, savory beef should be nestled against the bright, crisp vegetables, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Add Your Sides: On the other side of the plate, add your chosen sides. This could be anything from a small salad to some pickled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The goal is to complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
Drizzle with Sauce: If you’ve made extra sauce for your Sesame Beef, now’s the time to drizzle it over the dish. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing look.
Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the Sesame Beef. This adds a pop of color and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and sweet sauce.
Pair with a Drink: To complete your meal, pair your Sesame Beef with a drink. A cold Tsingtao beer or a glass of plum wine complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a hot jasmine tea or a chilled chrysanthemum tea would be a great choice.
Serve Immediately: Remember, Sesame Beef is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting meal.

Serving Sesame Beef is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about taking your taste buds on a journey. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the culinary adventure that is Sesame Beef!

FAQs

Can I use other meats for Sesame Beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just remember, the cooking time may vary.

Can I make Sesame Beef less spicy?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili in the dish according to your taste.

Can I substitute the sesame in Sesame Beef?

While sesame is traditional and adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with other nuts like peanuts or cashews if needed.

My love for Sesame Beef goes beyond its delicious taste. It’s about how a simple dish can bring so much joy and satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have been perfecting it for years, the charm of this dish never fades. So, here’s to many more culinary adventures!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Sesame Beef as much as I have. If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, the joy of food is best when shared.