Beef W / Sweet & Sour Cabbage Recipe
Make Beef W / Sweet & Sour Cabbage Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Beef & Marinade
Sweet & Sour Cabbage
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Beef & Marinade
- 1
Slice and Marinate
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Slice thinly across the grain into bite-sized strips (about 1/8–1/4 inch thick). In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vegetable oil and 1 tsp black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 1 hour) to tenderize and flavor the beef.
- 2
Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil (from the Sweet & Sour section use total 2 tbsp; use 1 tbsp here). Add the marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary so you don't crowd the pan. Sear quickly 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside. Leave any fond in the pan for flavor.
Sweet & Sour Cabbage
- 3
- 4
Sauté Aromatics & Veggies
In the same skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the carrot and continue to cook 1–2 minutes. Add the sliced cabbage and toss to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften, about 3–5 minutes.
- 5
Make the Sweet & Sour Sauce
In a bowl or measuring cup combine 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp tomato paste (or ketchup), 1 cup water and 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until sugar and tomato paste are dissolved.
- 6
Simmer Vegetables in Sauce
Pour the sweet & sour sauce over the cabbage mixture in the pan. Stir to coat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 4–6 minutes until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp and the flavors meld.
- 7
Thicken Sauce
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to make a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the simmering cabbage and sauce. Cook 1–2 minutes more until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or vinegar to reach desired sweet-sour balance.
Finish & Serve
- 8
Combine Beef with Cabbage
Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the sweet & sour cabbage. Toss or stir for 1–2 minutes until the beef is heated through and coated evenly with the sauce. If using, add 1/2 tsp sesame oil and stir to incorporate.
- 9
Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
