Steaming is one of the oldest and healthiest cooking methods, and this Steamed Beef with Glutinous Rice and Potatoes highlights the simplicity and elegance of this technique. The tender beef, flavored with a rich combination of dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper, pairs beautifully with the nutty texture of glutinous rice and the earthy sweetness of potatoes. This dish is not just a meal but a celebration of classic culinary traditions, offering warmth, flavor, and nourishment.

What makes this recipe truly unique is the steamed meat powder—a homemade blend of ground rice, brown sugar, hawthorn, and salt—which coats the beef and enhances its flavor during the steaming process. The chili peppers, ginger, and scallions add aromatic depth and a subtle heat, making this dish a delight for all the senses.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Steamed dishes have long been cherished across many cultures for their ability to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients. This recipe combines the classic techniques of steaming with bold, modern flavors. By using glutinous rice and steamed meat powder, it adds a unique texture and taste that elevates the dish.

This recipe’s timelessness lies in its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits. It’s a meal that brings comfort and nostalgia while remaining relevant and adaptable for contemporary palates. From casual family dinners to festive occasions, steamed beef with glutinous rice and potatoes is a dish that fits every setting.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 kcal

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 500 g beef tenderloin, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 70 g steamed meat powder (homemade: 50 g rice, 1 g brown sugar, 2 g hawthorn, 1 g salt, ground into powder with a blender)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 chili peppers, sliced
• 50 g glutinous rice, soaked for 2 hours and drained

Aromatics:

• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, sliced

For the Seasoning:

• 15 ml dark soy sauce
• 20 ml oyster sauce
• 20 ml oil
• ¼ tsp white pepper

How to Make Steamed Beef with Glutinous Rice and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Steamed Meat Powder

1. Toast the Ingredients: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the rice until golden and fragrant. Add brown sugar, hawthorn, and salt.
2. Grind into Powder: Transfer the toasted mixture to a blender and grind into a fine powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

1. Slice the Beef: Cut the beef tenderloin into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix the beef with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, oil, and white pepper. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
3. Coat with Meat Powder: After marinating, coat the beef pieces with the steamed meat powder until evenly covered.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into rounds about 1 cm thick. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom of a steamer tray.
2. Prepare the Chili Peppers: Slice the chili peppers and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Ingredients: Place the marinated beef over the potatoes in the steamer tray. Sprinkle the soaked and drained glutinous rice evenly over the beef. Add the sliced chili peppers, ginger, and scallions on top.

Step 5: Steam

1. Heat the Steamer: Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the steamer tray over it.
2. Steam: Cover and steam for 1 hour 30 minutes over medium heat, ensuring the water doesn’t run dry.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the steamer tray and carefully transfer the dish to a serving plate. Garnish with additional scallions or cilantro if desired.
2. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried greens.

Tips for Making Perfect Steamed Beef with Glutinous Rice

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh beef, potatoes, and spices enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
2. Soak the Rice: Soaking the glutinous rice ensures it cooks evenly during steaming.
3. Balance the Seasoning: Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce to suit your taste preferences.
4. Layer Properly: Layering the potatoes, beef, and rice correctly ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
5. Check the Water Level: Refill the steamer pot with hot water as needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use beef chuck or brisket for a more economical option. Adjust the steaming time to ensure tenderness.

2. What can I use instead of hawthorn in the steamed meat powder?
You can substitute hawthorn with dried cranberries or skip it entirely for a milder flavor.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the beef with tofu or eggplant and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can marinate the beef and prepare the steamed meat powder ahead of time. Assemble and steam the dish just before serving.

5. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice, bok choy, or a cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze the cooked beef and potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat the dish in a steamer or microwave until warmed through.

Why This Recipe is a Classic

Steamed dishes like this one have been a staple in traditional Chinese cuisine for centuries, showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients while retaining their nutrients. The use of steamed meat powder adds a unique twist, creating a dish that feels both authentic and innovative.

This recipe is timeless because of its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a celebration of traditional cooking methods that can be tailored to suit modern tastes and dietary needs. The combination of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and aromatic spices makes it a dish that resonates with all generations.

Conclusion

Steamed Beef with Glutinous Rice and Potatoes is more than just a dish—it’s an homage to the art of steaming and the richness of traditional flavors. From the tender beef to the fluffy potatoes and nutty glutinous rice, every bite is a reminder of the beauty of slow, intentional cooking.

Whether you’re sharing this dish with family or serving it at a special gathering, its bold flavors and satisfying textures are sure to impress. Take the time to prepare this recipe, and experience the timeless joy of steamed comfort food.