How to Prepare Beef for Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef flank steak or chuck steak (450g, sliced against the grain)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• water 1/4 cup (60 ml) per pound
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce or soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing Wine (Optional)

Directions

1. Add baking soda and water to the sliced beef and massage with hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand 1-2 hours.
2. Rinse the beef thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain.
3. Add oil, oyster sauce/soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (optional), and cornstarch to the beef. Set aside to marinate for 15-30 minutes, and then your beef is ready to use.
4. TIPS & NOTES:
5. Short-Cut Method for Tenderizing Beef: Add 1/8 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon (for tougher cuts) of baking soda and 2-3 tablespoons of water to the beef. Mix and work into the beef before marinating. This skips the rinsing step, and will also do a fine job tenderizing!
6. Follow step 3 and increase the marinating time for your beef at least 15 minutes.