Beef with Snow Peas
Tender slices of beef and crisp, sweet snow peas tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite you can make at home in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Velvet the Beef
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil.
- c.Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated. This process, known as velveting, keeps the beef tender and moist.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, 2 tsp cornstarch, sugar, and white pepper until smooth.
- c.Set the sauce aside near your cooking area.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it is smoking slightly. Add 2 tbsp of canola oil and swirl to coat.
- c.Carefully place the marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Sear for 60-90 seconds per side until well-browned but still slightly pink inside. Do not overcook.
- e.Remove the beef from the wok and set aside on a plate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the wok.
- c.Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the trimmed snow peas and sliced water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the snow peas are bright green and crisp-tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish
- b.Return the seared beef to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to recombine the cornstarch, then pour it over everything.
- d.Cook, stirring and tossing constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- e.Remove from heat, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately with steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the steak for 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Ensure your wok or skillet is extremely hot before adding the beef. This creates a beautiful sear and prevents the meat from steaming.
- 3Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process and requires your full attention.
- 4Do not overcook the snow peas. They should remain bright green and have a pleasant, crisp bite for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute beef with thinly sliced chicken breast, pork loin, or shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp will cook much faster.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms along with the snow peas.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger for some heat.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Garnish with a tablespoon of chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for extra texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in Iron
This dish is a good source of heme iron from the beef, a type that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and supporting red blood cell production.
Packed with Vitamins
Snow peas are a great source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, not including any side dishes like rice. The exact count can vary based on the leanness of the beef and the amount of oil used.