Weeknight dinners can be a challenge, especially when you’re pressed for time. By the time you’ve finished work and made it home, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But fear not! Rick Stein’s beef and shiitake chow mein comes to the rescue, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that can be on your table in less than an hour.
This recipe, found on the BBC website, takes less than 30 minutes to prep and between 10 and 30 minutes to cook, making it ideal for those busy weeknights. As Rick Stein himself says, the dish offers a “true taste of China” with its combination of flash-fried sirloin strips, crunchy vegetables, and a quick oyster and soy sauce dressing.
The recipe, which comes from Rick Stein’s “Food Stories,” is simple to follow, requiring just five easy steps. However, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a successful outcome.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Rick Stein’s beef and shiitake chow mein:
Ingredients:
* 400g/14oz sirloin steak, fat removed
* 1 tbsp cornflour
* Generous pinch of ground white pepper
* 1 tbsp oyster sauce
* 125ml/4fl oz sunflower or vegetable oil, plus 1 tbsp
* 250g/9oz dried egg noodles (4 nests)
* 150g/51⁄2oz beansprouts
* 3 spring onions, trimmed and shredded lengthwise
* 100g/31⁄2oz mangetout
* 100g/31⁄2oz shiitake mushrooms, sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, chopped
* 15g/1⁄2oz fresh root ginger, peeled and grated or finely chopped
For the sauce:
* 1/2 tsp sugar
* 1 tbsp oyster sauce
* 3 tbsp soy sauce
* Pinch of ground white pepper
* 2 spring onions, finely sliced on the diagonal (to serve)
Method:
1. Begin by cutting the sirloin steak into thin slices. Place the slices in a bowl and combine with the cornflour and white pepper. Add two tablespoons of water, the oyster sauce, and one tablespoon of sunflower oil. Mix well to coat the beef.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients with 100ml of water. Set aside.
3. Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions and drain thoroughly. Heat 100ml of oil in a pan. Once hot, add the drained noodles and fry until they become crisp. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
4. Add the remaining oil to the pan and add the beef. Cook for two to three minutes, stirring frequently. Next, add the vegetables, mushrooms, garlic, and ginger. Continue to stir-fry for a few minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the sauce and stir until it thickens.
5. Once cooked, divide the noodles between serving bowls. Top with the steak and vegetables. Garnish with the chopped spring onions for added crunch and enjoy!
This quick and flavorful recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, even on busy weeknights. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner, give Rick Stein’s beef and shiitake chow mein a try! You won’t be disappointed.
