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
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
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…..
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.
Knew you’d do it well. I think the best use of oyster sauce is on stir-fried eggplant.
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?
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….
Oh, good. Glad to hear all is well and the dragon doc didn’t keep him an extra day for insubordinate behavior.
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.
Zoomie, it could have happened :-))
Susan, it really was fun – next time I’ll have pictures of ‘cowboys’