Sizzling Chinese Yam and Beef Stir-Fry Recipe for Dinner Magic

Whipping up a delectable stir-fry with chinese yam and beef promises a quick culinary adventure that will spark your taste buds.

Tender strips of marinated meat dance alongside crisp vegetable chunks in a sizzling wok.

Fragrant seasonings weave through each bite, creating complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Chinese cuisine masters the art of balancing textures and tastes in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Home cooks can easily replicate restaurant-quality magic with a few smart techniques and fresh ingredients.

Seasonal vegetables and lean protein combine to create a nutritious meal that feels like a celebration on your plate.

Suggested Pairings With Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Riesling or Pinot Grigio to balance the savory beef and earthy yam, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Create Asian-Inspired Side Salad: Whip up a quick cucumber and radish salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing to complement the stir-fry's robust flavors and provide a cool, crunchy contrast.
• Match with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea that cleanses the palate and enhances the subtle sweetness of the Chinese yam while supporting the beef's umami notes.

Proper Storage for Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What is Chinese yam and where does it come from?

Chinese yam is a root vegetable native to China, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor and starchy texture. It’s commonly used in Asian cuisine and has nutritional benefits like being rich in fiber and antioxidants.

• Why do I need to blanch the yam before stir-frying?

Blanching helps soften the yam slightly, reduce cooking time, and ensure even cooking. It also helps remove any potential harsh taste and makes the yam more tender when added to the stir-fry.

• Can I substitute beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily swap beef with chicken, pork, or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through and maintains a similar texture.

Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from beef and fiber-rich Chinese yam, this dish delivers a powerful nutritional punch for a balanced meal.
• Master Quick Cooking: Learn a simple stir-fry technique that transforms basic ingredients into a delicious dinner in just minutes, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Explore Cultural Flavors: Discover authentic Chinese cooking methods that bring traditional tastes right to your kitchen, introducing exciting new ingredients like Chinese yam.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and kitchen creativity.

Ingredients Needed for Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Beef: A tender meat that provides a rich, savory flavor to the stir-fry.

• Chinese Yam: A starchy root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet taste that adds texture to the dish.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the stir-fry.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that helps tenderize and season the beef.
• Oyster Sauce: A thick, flavorful sauce that adds depth and richness to the stir-fry.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth coating for the beef.
• Sugar: A subtle sweetener that balances the savory flavors in the marinade.
• Black Pepper: A spice that adds a mild heat and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for high-heat stir-frying.

How to Prepare Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

Step 1: Prepare Beef Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Black pepper

Allow the beef to soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 2: Tenderize Chinese Yam

Fill a pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Gently slide yam slices into the bubbling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft but maintain a gentle crunch.

Carefully drain the yam and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet until it shimmers with intense heat.

Toss in minced garlic and quickly stir until fragrant, releasing its enticing aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Slide the marinated beef into the hot pan.

Stir-fry rapidly, allowing the meat to brown and develop a beautiful caramelized exterior. Cook until the beef is fully done and has a rich, golden color.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the blanched yam slices to the beef. Continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the yam and beef are evenly mixed and heated through.

Step 6: Create the Final Dish

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to a serving plate and pair with steaming hot rice for a complete meal.

Tips That Improve Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Use a meat mallet to gently pound beef before marinating to break down fibers and ensure extra softness.
• Soak blanched yam slices in cold water immediately after boiling to maintain their bright white color and stop further cooking.
• Keep wok or skillet on high heat but move ingredients constantly to prevent burning and achieve even caramelization.
• Add a splash of Shaoxing wine during stir-frying to enhance the dish's authentic Chinese taste and aromatic complexity.
• Marinate beef and blanch yam in advance to reduce cooking time when you're ready to stir-fry.

Variations to Try on Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam and Beef

• Spicy Sichuan Style: Replace black pepper with Sichuan peppercorns and add chili oil for a fiery kick, creating a bold and numbing flavor profile.
• Ginger Garlic Fusion: Increase garlic quantity and add fresh ginger strips to enhance aromatic depth, providing a more intense and zesty taste experience.
• Vegetarian Chinese Yam Option: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace yam with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the original stir-fry's essential cooking method and seasoning.

Stir-Fry With Chinese Yam And Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Chinese Yam and Beef Stir-Fry delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crisp vegetables and tender meat combine in a quick, satisfying meal that brings authentic Chinese cuisine directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 pound (454 grams) Chinese yam, peeled and sliced into thin strips

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare beef by combining it with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper in a mixing container. Allow the meat to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
2. Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully submerge Chinese yam slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly tender. Remove yam using a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
3. Position a wok or large skillet over high heat. Pour vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and quickly swirl for 10-15 seconds to release aromatic oils.
4. Transfer marinated beef into the hot pan, spreading pieces evenly. Stir-fry rapidly for 3-4 minutes, ensuring meat develops a rich golden-brown exterior and cooks completely through.
5. Introduce blanched yam slices into the wok, gently tossing with the beef. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution and slight caramelization.
6. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a vibrant garnish. Accompany with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Blanching Chinese yam helps remove slight bitterness and softens its texture for a more pleasant eating experience.
• Marinate beef for at least 30 minutes if time allows to enhance deeper flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Opt for grass-fed beef or lean cuts to reduce fat content while maintaining protein-rich nutritional value.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the dish remains accessible to different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg