Ingredients:

• 500g (1 pound) beef, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

For the Sauce:

• 1 big clove garlic (or 2 small), minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili sauce

Directions:

1. Tenderize the Beef:
   • In a bowl, mix the beef slices with 1 tsp of baking soda. Make sure the baking soda is evenly distributed.
   • Let the beef marinate for 15-20 minutes. This will help to tenderize the meat.
   • After marinating, rinse the beef thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat the beef dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Slice the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper into thin strips. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chili sauce. Mix well to combine.
6. Combine Everything:
   • Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
   • Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
   • Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is slightly reduced.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the tender beef and vegetables hot over steamed rice or noodles.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• This dish is best served with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles.
• You can also add a side of stir-fried greens or a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal.

Cooking Tips:

• Make sure to rinse the beef well after marinating with baking soda to remove any residue and prevent an off-taste.
• Stir-fry the beef and vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their texture and color.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Beef: A good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, adding both nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.

Dietary Information:

• Gluten-Free: Yes (ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free)
• Dairy-Free: Yes (substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative if needed)

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg

Storage:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• This method of tenderizing beef ensures even the toughest cuts become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• The quick cooking time and flavorful sauce make this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
• The combination of tender beef and crisp vegetables creates a satisfying and balanced meal.

Conclusion: This tender beef stir-fry is a quick and delicious way to enjoy flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef at home. With just a few simple ingredients and the secret baking soda method, you can transform tough cuts of meat into a gourmet dish in minutes. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   • Yes, you can use any cut of beef, but tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak benefit the most from this tenderizing method.
2. What if I don’t have baking soda?
   • The baking soda is essential for this tenderizing method. However, you can marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and cornstarch as an alternative.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • You can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh to maintain the texture of the beef and vegetables.
4. Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
   • You can use rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry.
6. What if I want a spicier dish?
   • Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
7. Can I use a different oil?
   • Yes, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil for added flavor.
8. How do I keep the beef from overcooking?
   • Stir-fry the beef quickly over high heat and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s browned to prevent overcooking.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
   • Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or even inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
    • It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze it if needed. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.