Tender Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chiles

Steps

1. 1

   Slice the beef into thin strips, always cutting against the direction of the muscle fibers. This helps the beef stay more tender after stir-frying.

2. 2

   Place the beef in a bowl. Add the light soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, and the starch. Mix thoroughly until all the strips are lightly coated, then marinate briefly for about 10 minutes.

   Start 10-minute timer
3. 3

   Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. The oil should be hot before adding the beef so it browns rather than cooking slowly.

4. 4

   Add the marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if the skillet is too crowded. Stir-fry it quickly until just cooked; do not overcook it, as it will continue heating at the end.

5. 5

   Immediately remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep the skillet and the juices and browned bits to develop the flavor of the aromatics.

6. 6

   In the same skillet, add the garlic, fresh chile, and pickled peppers. Stir-fry for a few seconds, until fragrant but without burning the garlic.

7. 7

   Add a small amount of salt and stir to distribute it among the aromatics.

8. 8

   Return the beef to the skillet. Add the remaining light soy sauce and oyster sauce, and stir-fry quickly until everything is well combined and hot, approximately 30 to 60 seconds.

   Start 1-minute timer
9. 9

   Add the fresh cilantro and toss for a few seconds, just until incorporated while preserving its fresh aroma.

10. 10

    Serve immediately while the beef is hot, tender, and juicy.