Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with YouTiao (Chinese Fried Dough)
This Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with You Tiao (a type of Chinese fried dough and a favorite breakfast/brunch treat) is a dish straight from Zhejiang Province. You won't find it on many restaurant menus outside of China, so you'll have to make it at home to experience it!
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 12 ounces flank steak ((340g, sliced into 2-inch long pieces))
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil ((plus 2 tablespoons))
- 2 pieces Chinese fried dough ((you tiao))
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar ((or granulated sugar))
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot or red onion
- ½ cup beef stock ((or chicken stock))
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon Zhenjiang black vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ((mixed with 1 tablespoon water))
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon scallion ((chopped))
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the beef, with 1 teaspoon cornstarch, a pinch of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons oil. Set aside for 10 minutes, or until the beef comes up to room temperature.
- 2
Cut your Chinese fried dough (you tiao) into 2-inch pieces and place them on a sheet pan. Heat in an oven at 300 degrees F for 8 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy.
- 3
Heat your wok over high heat until just smoking, and spread 1 tablespoon of oil around the wok. Add the beef and sear for 2 to 3 minutes just until browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- 4
Over medium low heat, add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, along with the sugar. Once the sugar has melted, add in the shallots. After 2 to 3 minutes, add the stock, soy sauces, and vinegar. Bring the liquid to a simmer, and then add the beef and any juices from the bowl.
- 5
While the beef and sauce are simmering, slowly stir in the cornstarch and water mixture until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon.
- 6
Toss in the toasted fried dough and mix for 20 seconds, or until everything is coated in sauce. Transfer to a plate, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Serve with steamed white rice.