Timorese Spicy Beef Stir-fry
Katar de Carne Picante
Katar de Carne Picante is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables in a spicy, savory sauce. This dish showcases the Timorese love for bold flavors, incorporating chili, garlic, and soy sauce, often served with steamed rice. It's a quick and delicious way to enjoy beef with a kick.
๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion, sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 2 Red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned
- 2 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chili garlic sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
๐ก Tip: Marinating the beef tenderizes it and helps it absorb flavors. - 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce (if using), and water to create the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.
๐ก Tip: Having the sauce ready beforehand ensures a quick stir-fry process. - 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
๐ก Tip: High heat is crucial for stir-frying to achieve a good sear and prevent the meat from steaming. - 4
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
๐ก Tip: Keep the ingredients moving in the wok to prevent burning. - 5
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
๐ก Tip: Garlic and ginger can burn quickly, so add them towards the end of sautรฉing aromatics. - 6
Add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
๐ก Tip: Add vegetables in order of cooking time; harder vegetables like carrots first, then softer ones like broccoli. - 7
Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the ingredients. Toss everything together to coat evenly and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
๐ก Tip: Stir-fry sauce thickens quickly due to the cornstarch. - 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice.
๐ก Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a spicier dish, add more red chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- โEnsure all your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start stir-frying, as the process is very fast.
- โIf you don't have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet will work well.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- Substitute beef with chicken or firm tofu for a different protein.
- For a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar.