Beef with Tofu and Celery (豆腐西芹牛肉)
豆腐西芹牛肉, or Beef with Tofu and Celery, is a popular Chinese dish that combines the tender texture of beef with the crispness of celery and the softness of tofu. This dish is known for its flavorful and balanced profile, and it's quite simple to prepare. Here's a recipe to help you make Beef with Tofu and Celery at home.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 300 g beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Main Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu cut into cubes
- 2 cups celery diagonally sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water cornstarch slurry
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes.
Prepare the Tofu:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Gently fry the tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until just cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry Celery and Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Add the celery and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Combine Ingredients:
- Return the beef and add the fried tofu to the pan with the celery.
Add the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the pan.
- Let everything cook together for a few minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir well.
Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
- Serve the Beef with Tofu and Celery hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles.