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General Tso Beef over rice on plate.

General Tso Beef

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Deb Belsha
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Asian/American

Description

This Chinese-inspired recipe for General Tso Beef is perfect for those who love a meal with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. 


Ingredients

Units Scale

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or substitute
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons chili paste or chili oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce, optional

 

  • 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or Arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces green beans
  • 8-10 dried chili peppers
  • 8 stalks of chives or 3 stalks green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce, stir to combine well and taste for flavor.  Adjust as needed.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet or wok over medium heat.  Stir fry the green beans and red peppers for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the chili peppers, (cut open a few to release the seeds for some extra spice), and the chives.  Stir fry for 1-2 minutes.  Remove to a plate.
  4. Stir the cornstarch, salt and pepper.  Coat the sliced beef and shake off any excess.
  5. Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat and stir fry the coated beef until browned, 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the sauce to skillet and bring to a simmer.  Cook 2 minutes until sauce is thickened.
  7. Add the vegetables back to pan and heat through about a minute or two.
  8. Remove chili peppers before serving.

Notes

* To make it easier to thinly slice the beef, place in freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up.

*Slice beef on the diagonal, against the grain for the tenderest texture.

*To prevent the beef from steaming instead of browning, don't crowd the beef in the skillet.  Cook in two batches if necessary.

*Store leftovers,  covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low-medium heat until hot.  Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.  Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 243
  • Sugar: 4.8g
  • Sodium: 925mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 11.9g
  • Fiber: 2.4g
  • Protein: 28.6g
  • Cholesterol: 67mg