Are you looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor?
Look no further than beef bottom round steak stir fry!
This cut of beef is affordable and versatile, making it a great option for those on a budget.
With the right techniques, you can turn this tough cut into a tender and delicious stir fry that will have your taste buds singing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook beef bottom round steak for stir fry, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Bottom Round Steak For Stir Fry?
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. For this recipe, you’ll need:
– One 1 1/2-pound piece of beef bottom round steak
– Vegetables of your choice (such as broccoli, onions, and peppers)
– Garlic
– Stir-fry sauce
– Rice (optional)
Cut the beef into thin 1/4-inch strips and marinate in your favorite stir-fry sauce for at least 30 minutes to two hours for flavor or overnight for tenderness.
Chop your vegetables and garlic into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add your vegetables, half of the garlic, and a splash of water. Cover the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. If the pan becomes dry, add additional water as needed. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the skillet and keep them warm.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Using the same skillet, heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the beef mixture and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until the outside surface of the beef is no longer pink. Be careful not to overcook the beef. Remove from the skillet and season with salt as desired. Keep warm and repeat with the remaining beef mixture.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Return all beef and vegetables to the skillet. Add stir-fry sauce and crushed red pepper as desired. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your beef bottom round steak stir fry over rice if desired. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Bottom Round Steak
When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef for stir fry, bottom round steak is a great option. This cut comes from the hind legs of the cow and is leaner than other cuts, making it a healthier option. It’s also more affordable and can be used in a variety of dishes.
When selecting your beef bottom round steak, look for a piece that is bright red in color with little to no visible fat. This indicates that the meat is fresh and lean. It’s important to note that bottom round steak is a tougher cut of meat, so it’s best to marinate it before cooking to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
Other cuts of beef that can be used for stir fry include flank steak and skirt steak. These cuts are also leaner and more affordable than other cuts, making them great options for budget-friendly meals.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right cut of beef for your stir fry is to consider the dish you plan to prepare and the characteristics of each type of beef. With bottom round steak, you’ll get a lean, affordable cut that can be made tender and flavorful with the right marinade and cooking technique.
Preparing The Beef Bottom Round Steak For Stir Fry
To prepare the beef bottom round steak for stir fry, start by cutting it into thin 1/4-inch strips. Marinate the strips in your favorite stir-fry sauce for at least 30 minutes to two hours for flavor or overnight for tenderness.
If you want your beef to be even more tender, you can add baking soda and water to the sliced beef and massage it with your hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let it stand for 1-2 hours, then rinse the beef thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the beef and add oil, oyster sauce/soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), and cornstarch to the beef. Set it aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes, and then your beef is ready to use.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the beef mixture and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until the outside surface of the beef is no longer pink. Be careful not to overcook the beef. Remove it from the skillet and season with salt as desired. Keep warm and repeat with the remaining beef mixture.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked and tender beef bottom round steak for your stir fry dish.
Marinating The Beef Bottom Round Steak
Marinating the beef bottom round steak is an important step in ensuring that your stir fry is packed with flavor and tenderness. To marinate the beef, cut it into thin 1/4-inch strips and place it in a glass dish.
Next, prepare your marinade by whisking together olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Pour the marinade over the beef strips, making sure that each piece is coated evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to two hours for flavor or overnight for tenderness.
When you’re ready to cook the beef, remove it from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Pat the beef strips dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure that they sear properly.
By marinating your beef bottom round steak before cooking it for stir fry, you’ll be able to achieve a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends.
Stir Frying The Beef Bottom Round Steak
Stir frying beef bottom round steak is a quick and easy way to prepare this lean and flavorful cut of meat. However, it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure that your beef is tender and cooked to perfection.
First, make sure to marinate your beef for at least 30 minutes to two hours for flavor or overnight for tenderness. Cut the beef into thin 1/4-inch strips before marinating.
Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of the beef mixture and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes or until the outside surface of the beef is no longer pink. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as this can make it tough and chewy.
Once the first batch of beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture.
Finally, combine all of the cooked beef with your vegetables and stir-fry sauce in the skillet. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through.
Serve your beef bottom round steak stir fry over rice if desired, and enjoy! With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Adding Vegetables And Flavor To The Stir Fry
One of the key components of a delicious stir fry is the variety of vegetables used. While this recipe calls for broccoli, onions, and peppers, you can mix and match depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. The beauty of making a stir fry is how versatile it is. You can use green beans, zucchini, eggplant, baby corn, water chestnuts, bean sprouts, cabbage, green onion, sweet peas, spinach, or any other vegetables you like.
To add flavor to your stir fry, start by cooking the items that will take longest to cook first. Vegetables that need to sweat and soften (like mushrooms and onions) should be added first, followed by harder veggies like carrots or broccoli, then softer ones like peppers or cabbage. Finally, finish with leafy greens that just need a minute or two to wilt.
To help with this process, cut any harder veggies into smaller pieces to cook together with softer ones. You can also add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Garlic and ginger are aromatics that will add depth and complexity to your stir fry.
For the sauce, it’s best to make your own homemade stir-fry sauce. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and is oh-so-delicious! If you like it saucy, add the entire 1 1/4 cups of sauce. However, if you prefer less saucy stir fry, start with about 1 cup of sauce and add more as desired. Save the rest in the fridge or freezer for next time!
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Beef Bottom Round Steak Stir Fry
Once your beef bottom round steak stir fry is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here are some tips to make the most of your delicious meal:
– Serve over rice: This stir fry pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy rice. Not only does it add another layer of texture, but it also helps to balance out the flavors.
– Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
– Customize to your taste: Feel free to switch up the vegetables or sauce to suit your personal preferences. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to fit your taste buds.
– Pair with a refreshing beverage: A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade can complement the bold flavors of the stir fry and make for a refreshing sip between bites.
– Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and easy meal later on.
By following these tips, you can elevate your beef bottom round steak stir fry and make it an enjoyable meal for everyone at the table.