Meats

Velveted Mongolian Beef

Protein

  • 500 g beef (chuck or topside) or chicken
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • Extra cornstarch, for dusting
  • Neutral oil, for flash frying

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)

Stir-fry

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 capsicum, sliced (optional)
  • 3 spring onions, cut into batons
  • Steamed rice, to serve

Directions

  • Slice the protein into thin strips against the grain.
  • In a bowl, combine the protein, baking soda, cornstarch, egg white, soy sauce, white pepper, and oil. Mix until every strip is coated, then marinate 30 minutes.
  • For extra tender meat: toss 1.5 tsp baking soda through the protein, refrigerate 40 minutes, then wash off the baking soda, pat dry, and proceed with the marinade.
  • Lightly dust the beef with extra cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  • Heat oil in a wok to about 120-140C. Flash-fry the beef in batches until the coating sets and the meat is just cooked. Remove and drain.
  • Leave about 1 tbsp oil in the wok. Add the capsicum (if using) and stir-fry briefly, then add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant.
  • Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and Shaoxing wine. Pour into the wok and simmer until glossy, adding the cornstarch slurry if needed to thicken.
  • Return the beef with the spring onions and toss until coated. Serve over steamed rice.

A velveting-technique Mongolian beef (egg-white marinade + flash-fry for silky meat). From Goose Theory on Instagram.