Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Beef and Snow Peas recipe is a quick and tender stir-fry, which is made with flank steak and soy sauce. It’s the perfect 30-minute meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Beef and Snow Peas Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. Flank Steak, Trimmed Of Fat And Sliced Very Thin Against The Grain
- 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp. Sherry Or Cooking Sherry
- 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. Minced Fresh Ginger
- 8 oz. weight Fresh Snow Peas, Ends Trimmed
- 5 whole Scallions, Cut Into Half-inch Pieces On The Diagonal
- Salt As Needed (use Sparingly)
- 3 Tbsp. Peanut Or Olive Oil
- Crushed Red Pepper, For Sprinkling
- Jasmine Or Long Grain Rice, Cooked According To Package
How To Make Pioneer Woman Beef and Snow Peas
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, and minced ginger to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a separate bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the meat and toss with your hands to coat it completely. Reserve the other half of the marinade.
- Stir-Fry the Snow Peas: Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet (cast iron is best) or a wok over high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the trimmed snow peas and stir-fry for 45 seconds until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Remove them to a plate and set aside.
- Sear the Beef (First Batch): Allow the pan to get very hot again. Using tongs, add half of the beef to the pan in a single layer, leaving most of the excess marinade behind in the bowl. Add half of the scallions. Let the meat sear without stirring for a full minute to get a good brown crust. Flip the meat and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove this batch to a clean plate.
- Sear the Beef (Second Batch): Let the pan get very hot again. Repeat the searing process with the remaining half of the beef and scallions.
- Combine and Finish: After turning the second batch of meat, add the first plateful of cooked meat, the reserved half of the marinade, and the cooked snow peas back into the skillet. Stir everything together over high heat for about 30 seconds. The sauce will thicken quickly. Turn off the heat.
- Serve: Taste the dish and add a pinch of salt only if it needs it. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice, sprinkled with crushed red pepper for a bit of spice.
Recipe Tips
- How do I slice the beef so thinly? For the easiest, thinnest slices, place the flank steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat, allowing you to get clean, paper-thin slices against the grain.
- Why is a hot pan so important for stir-frying? A very hot skillet or wok is essential for getting a good, quick sear on the beef without overcooking it and making it tough. It also helps the snow peas cook quickly so they stay crisp.
- How do I avoid a soggy stir-fry? Cook in batches! Do not overcrowd the pan with the beef. Cooking it in two batches ensures each piece has direct contact with the hot surface, allowing it to sear rather than steam.
- Can I use a different vegetable? Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. You could substitute the snow peas with broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or asparagus. You may need to adjust the initial stir-fry time slightly depending on the vegetable.
What To Serve With Beef and Snow Peas
This quick stir-fry is a complete meal when served over rice, but it also pairs well with:
- Steamed or fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- A side of steamed edamame or crispy spring rolls
How To Store Beef and Snow Peas
Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat the beef and snow peas in a skillet over medium-high heat for just a minute or two until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Beef and Snow Peas Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What does u0022slice against the grainu0022 mean?
The u0022grainu0022 refers to the direction that the muscle fibers in the meat are aligned. To slice against the grain, you should look at the steak, identify the direction of these fibers, and then slice perpendicular to them. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite much more tender.
Can I make this dish less sweet?
Yes. If you prefer a more savory sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade to 1 tablespoon.
What is a good substitute for sherry?
If you don’t have sherry, you can substitute it with dry white wine, rice wine vinegar, or even chicken or beef broth for a non-alcoholic option.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Beef Ragu Recipe
Pioneer Woman Beef and Snow Peas Recipe
Description
A quick and easy weeknight stir-fry featuring tender, thinly sliced flank steak and crisp snow peas tossed in a savory and slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Pour half over the sliced beef to marinate.
- Heat oil in a large, hot skillet. Stir-fry snow peas for 45 seconds and remove.
- Sear the beef in two batches with the scallions for about 1.5 minutes per batch until browned.
- Return all the beef and the snow peas to the skillet.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and stir over high heat for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately over rice, sprinkled with crushed red pepper.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSlicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Partially freezing the steak first makes this easier.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUse a very hot skillet and cook in batches to ensure the beef sears properly instead of steaming.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis dish comes together very quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preferred level of spice.u003c/liu003e
