Here’s a full recipe for Stir-Fried Beef with Tomatoes — a sweet, sour, and slightly spicy dish that’s colorful, fragrant, and satisfying:
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp chili flakes (or fresh chili, for heat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or scallions, chopped (for garnish)
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the beef
- Slice beef thinly against the grain.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce.
- Set aside.
- Stir-fry the beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add beef and stir-fry quickly until just browned (2–3 minutes).
- Remove and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics & vegetables
- Add remaining oil to the wok.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper and tomato wedges.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Combine & season
- Return beef to the wok.
- Add oyster sauce, tomato paste, sugar, and chili flakes.
- Toss everything together until beef is coated and tomatoes release their juices, forming a light sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve
- Garnish with parsley or scallions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Extra tang: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice.
- Sweeter profile: Use ripe cherry tomatoes for natural sweetness.
- Spicy kick: Increase chili flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Velvety beef: Marinate beef with cornstarch and soy sauce for tenderness.
