Braised Beef with Tofu, Cucumber, and Celery (豆腐青瓜西芹燴牛肉)
豆腐青瓜西芹燴牛肉, or Braised Beef with Tofu, Cucumber, and Celery, is a delightful dish that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables and soft tofu in a savory sauce. This dish offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying meal that's both nutritious and flavorful. Here's a recipe to help you create this dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 300 g beef preferably flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- For the Vegetables and Tofu:
- 1 block firm tofu cut into cubes
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Tofu:
- Gently press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add the sliced cucumber and celery. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they start to soften.
Cook Tofu:
- Add the tofu cubes to the wok and gently stir to combine with the vegetables.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and broth.
- Combine Ingredients and Sauce:
- Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables and tofu.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, tofu, and vegetables. Stir well.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the wok. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Once the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients, remove from heat.
- Serve your Braised Beef with Tofu, Cucumber, and Celery hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice.
