Vietnamese Shaking Beef (Printable Version)
Tender beef cubes seared with crisp vegetables and zesty lime dipping sauce
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Beef
01 - 1.1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon sugar
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
→ For Stir-Frying
09 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 - 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
11 - 1 small green bell pepper, cut into chunks
12 - 1 small red bell pepper, cut into chunks
13 - 2 spring onions, cut into 2 inch lengths
→ For the Lime Dipping Sauce
14 - 1 lime, juiced
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ To Serve
17 - 3.5 oz watercress or baby greens
18 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
19 - Steamed jasmine rice (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine beef cubes with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon oil in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Mix lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until salt dissolves. Set aside for serving.
03 - Spread watercress and tomato slices attractively on a large serving platter. Set aside while cooking the beef.
04 - Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until the oil shimmers and begins to smoke slightly.
05 - Add marinated beef in a single uncrowded layer. Let sear undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a deep brown crust.
06 - Shake the pan rapidly or stir-fry continuously for 2-3 minutes until beef is well-browned on all sides but remains juicy and medium-rare.
07 - Add onion wedges and bell pepper chunks. Stir-fry vigorously for 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Add spring onions and toss for 30 seconds.
08 - Transfer the hot beef and vegetable mixture immediately onto the prepared platter over watercress and tomatoes. Serve right away with lime dipping sauce and steamed rice if desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The contrast between seared, savory beef and that sharp, refreshing lime sauce creates absolute harmony on your plate
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something you'd order at your favorite Vietnamese spot
02 -
- Dont crowd your wok or the beef will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if you need to.
- Let the beef come to room temperature before cooking for more even cooking and better caramelization.
03 -
- Dry your beef cubes thoroughly before marinating for better searing
- Taste your dipping sauce and adjust the lime or salt to your preference