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Stir-Fried Beef with Oyster Sauce, school days

Thyme for Cooking, Blog Posted on by

I haven’t had oyster sauce to use since we left the U.S. To be honest, the last time I used it I didn’t really think it was made from oysters.

It is.

And it’s as good as I remember it, adding a great depth of flavor. Coupled with the mushroom soy sauce, this was a wonderful stir-fry.

I can only claim credit for combining the right ingredients.

I found the sugar snap peas in the frozen vegetable section – haven’t seen those in ages either.

I used veal rather than beef as it’s hard to find beef suitable for stir-frying here. I think beef would be better.

Stir-Fried Beef with Oyster Sauce

Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 10oz (300gr) beef flank steak or any beef suitable for stir-frying, sliced
  • 1 tbs sweet soy sauce    substitute regular soy sauce and 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbs mirin    substitute sherry
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 medium leek, trimmed and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbs minced ginger
  • 4oz (120gr) mushrooms, sliced
  • 4oz (120gr) snap peas
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
  • 1 tsp  sesame oil
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbs mushroom soy sauce   substitute 1 tsp regular soy sauce
  • 2 tbs oyster sauce
  • 2 tsp cornstarch dissolved in
  • 1/2 cup (4oz, 120ml) beef stock
  • Basmati Rice:
  • 1/2 cup (3.3oz, 95gr) Basmati rice
  • 1 cup (8oz, 240ml) chicken stock

Beef with Oyster Sauce

Instructions:

  • Mix sweet soy sauce, mirin and 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Add beef, stir and set aside to marinate.
  • Heat oils in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. 
  • Add leeks, mushrooms, and stir-fry for 4 minutes.
  • Add snap peas, water chestnuts, garlic, ginger and stir-fry another 2 minutes.
  • Remove vegetables and set aside.
  • Add beef to skillet and stir-fry 3 – 5 minutes, until brown.
  • Return vegetables to skillet.
  • Add mushroom soy sauce, oyster sauce and stir-fry briefly.
  • Add cornstarch / beef stock mixture, heat, stirring, until thickened.
  • Serve over rice.
  • Basmati Rice:
  • Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add rice and sauté, stirring for 2 – 3 minutes.
  • Add stock, cover and simmer, 15 minutes

Print Recipe

I went to school today.

I thought I was going to third grade, but I was with a mix of students between 6 and 12 years old.

I have no idea what the criteria was….

It’s a local school of about 90 students from 3 to 12 years old.

They all very proudly said ‘Hello’ to me, but that was the extant of their English – except for one little boy who confided that he was ‘English’.

I gave them maps of the U.S. and showed them pictures of state birds and animals and flowers.

They asked about schools and I showed them a yellow school bus and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

They were very excited that I had a ‘tablet’ with pictures on it.

Sadly, I forgot to get a picture of a ‘cowboy’ – but I did have a Tonka truck.

The younger ones just surrounded me so they could see the photos and ask questions. There were 2 older girls who sat in the back and were not very interested…. But, then, I didn’t expect to be talking to that age. It would be a bit hard to have things interesting to 6 year-old’s and 12 year-old’s.

The amazing part was when I was about half-way through the material the bell rang and we were done. The 30 minutes flew by. I wanted to say ‘Wait – I haven’t gotten to the good stuff yet!’.

It was fun.

And none of them noticed that my French wasn’t perfect.

At least, I don’t think they did…..


Comments

Stir-Fried Beef with Oyster Sauce, school days — 7 Comments

  1. CONGRATULATIONS. I bet you are pleased that is behind you but don’t be surprised if you are asked to do something similar again.
    The beef stir fry looks so good – I must get some oyster sauce so I can try it.

  2. Knew you’d do it well. I think the best use of oyster sauce is on stir-fried eggplant.

  3. Sounds like they were fully engaged and excited – and that’s the main thing! They have a more rounded picture of America than they had before you came. All good. Congratulations! Did your Mari get out of the hospital?

  4. Gill, yes, I’m glad it’s done… but I really had fun doing it. They do this program every year so maybe next year….

    Brassfrog. stir-fried eggplant, eh? I may have to try that this summer

    Zoomie, they loved the grizzly bear LOL. Yes, I picked him up after school. All back to normal. Girls are happy to have him back – all of us….

  5. Yes, do this again next year. Good for the kids and very good for you. I hope you bought jugs of the oyster sauce. It does give a good flavor to stir fry.

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