Caramelized Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir-fries are quick and easy ways to prepare a good meal that includes everything. There are really no right or wrong ways to make a stir-fry. In my view, the more things you throw into the stir-fry, the better it’s going to be. A good stir-fry is more about the technique than the actual ingredients. Once you get the technique down pat, anything goes as far as the actual ingredients used. Stir-fries lend themselves very well to creativity and imagination.

My latest stir-fry was with caramelized beef strips and vegetables. I added mushrooms, green beans, red bell peppers, ginger and shallots. I served it all over rice with some egg rolls on the side. Because it was beef, and the sauce was spicy-sweet, I served a red wine on the side to complete the meal.

Caramelized Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

I didn’t have cilantro, so instead I used some of my overflowing lemon verbena, and gave a hint of lemon flavor to the dish.

1-1 1/2 lbs sirloin, cut into thin strips

1 TBSP ginger

1 TBSP Siracha sauce

1 jalapeno, diced fine

1/2 cup sugar

1-1 1/2 cups water

1/2 lb green beans

5-6 mushrooms, sliced

salt & pepper to taste

red pepper flakes to taste

1-2 shallots, sliced very thin

1/4 red bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks

2 TBSP either fresh cilantro and/or fresh lemon verbena, chopped or chiffonade

Add the sugar to a large skillet, and let it melt & caramelize. As soon as it starts to change color, to a lightly golden brown, add the water.

Combine the seasonings and Siracha sauce and mix together well. Add to the caramelized sugar mixture and mix together well.

Add the vegetables and ginger and saute for about 3-5 minutes, stirring contantly over a high heat.

Add the meat and continue cooking until the meat is completely cooked, about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly once again.

Once the meat is cooked and everything is done, add most of the the lemon verbena and/or cilantro and mix in well. Add the remaining portion as topping to the dish right before serving.

This is a quick and easy meal to prepare. It’s healthy and delicious, and full of color and flavor. Enjoy!

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.