Savory Beef and Bamboo Shoot Stir-fry: A Taste of Spring
A Delicious Stir-fry with Seasonal Bamboo Shoots and Beef
Celebrate the spring season (April-June) with this savory and tender beef and bamboo shoot stir-fry. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect as a healthy side for any meal.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Bamboo Shoots 300g
- Beef Sirloin 100g
- Carrot 1/2 medium
- Onion 1/2 medium
- Bell Pepper 1/4 (use a colorful one for visual appeal)
- Scallions 5 stalks
- Shiitake Mushrooms 3
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Bamboo Shoots: Start by peeling the tough outer layers of the bamboo shoots. Soak them in rice water for about a day to remove any bitterness or astringent taste. This step is crucial for a pleasant flavor. Once soaked, slice the bamboo shoots thinly, following the natural grain for a nice texture. Prepare the beef sirloin by thinly slicing it. Julienne the scallions, onion, shiitake mushrooms, and carrot. Having all your vegetables prepped beforehand makes the stir-frying process much smoother.
Step 2
Marinate and Stir-fry the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cooking wine, and a pinch of pepper (optional). Gently mix and let it marinate for a few minutes. Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink. Then, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and continue to stir-fry until they soften slightly. Next, add the sliced bamboo shoots and stir-fry everything together for a couple more minutes.
Step 3
Add Vegetables and Season: Introduce the julienned carrots and onions to the pan. Stir-fry for just a minute or two until they are slightly tender but still retain a bit of crispness. Avoid overcooking them. Season the mixture with bamboo salt (or regular salt) to your preference. It’s best to season lightly at this stage, as you can adjust the taste at the end.
Step 4
Simmer with Broth and Thickeners: In a small bowl, whisk together the kelp broth and ground perilla seeds until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the stir-fried ingredients. Bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat and let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce has reached a desirable consistency, add the sliced bell pepper and chopped scallions. Stir-fry for another minute. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more bamboo salt if needed. Finish by drizzling in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil just before turning off the heat for an extra layer of aroma.
Step 5
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the delicious beef and bamboo shoot stir-fry to a serving plate. This healthy and flavorful dish makes a wonderful side dish for a home-cooked meal. Serve it hot with steamed rice or enjoy it as part of a larger Korean meal.
