Are you a fan of Asian cuisine? Do you love the combination of savory meats and crunchy vegetables? Then you might want to try beef almond ding!
This stir-fry dish is similar to the popular chicken almond ding, but with tender strips of beef as the star ingredient. The dish is cooked in butter with toasted almond slivers and a variety of vegetables, creating a unique and nutty flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and ingredients of beef almond ding, as well as provide tips for making it at home. So grab your wok and let’s get cooking!
What Is Beef Almond Ding?
Beef almond ding is a popular Asian stir-fry dish that originated in China. It consists of marinated beef strips that are cooked with a variety of vegetables, including water chestnuts, mushrooms, bok choy, carrots, and pea pods. The dish is then topped with toasted almond slivers, which add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
The name “ding” refers to the sauce used in the dish, which is made from butter, sugar, and sliced almonds. The sauce is typically used to coat the beef and vegetables, creating a rich and savory flavor.
The History Of Beef Almond Ding
The exact history of beef almond ding is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China. It is said that the dish was first created by a personal chef for a governor named Ding Bao, who enjoyed the meal so much that he requested it frequently. The original name of the dish was Ding Bao Gongbao, which means Palace Guardian in Chinese. Over time, the dish became more popular and spread to other regions of China and eventually to other parts of the world.
Today, beef almond ding is a popular dish in many Asian restaurants and is often served with steamed white rice. The combination of tender beef, crunchy almonds, and a variety of vegetables makes it a flavorful and satisfying meal. While there are many variations of the recipe, the use of butter and almonds in the sauce remains a key component of the dish. Whether enjoyed in a restaurant or made at home, beef almond ding is a delicious and unique way to experience Asian cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Beef Almond Ding
To make beef almond ding, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 cups assorted mixed vegetables, such as broccoli florets, snow peas, bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms
– 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts (1 can), drained
– 1/2 cup toasted almond slivers
– 3/4 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
To start, marinate the beef strips in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic for at least one hour. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until smoking. Add the beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Next, add the mixed vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until tender-crisp. Add the water chestnuts and toasted almond slivers to the wok and stir-fry for an additional minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hoisin sauce. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Finally, add the cooked beef strips back into the wok and stir-fry for an additional minute to coat everything in the sauce. Serve hot over a bed of steamed white rice or on its own.
Beef almond ding is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of tender beef strips, crunchy vegetables, and toasted almonds creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
How To Make Beef Almond Ding At Home
Making beef almond ding at home is a great way to enjoy this delicious dish without having to go out to a restaurant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make beef almond ding at home:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of beef strips
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 diced onion
– 2 cloves of minced garlic
– 1 diced bok choy
– 1 diced carrot
– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup of pea pods
– 1/2 cup of water chestnuts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
For the sauce:
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, sugar, and sliced almonds to make the sauce. Set aside.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Season the beef strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds.
5. Add the diced bok choy, carrot, sliced mushrooms, pea pods, and water chestnuts to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the pan. Stir everything together until everything is coated with the sauce.
7. Toast the sliced almonds in a separate pan over medium heat until they are golden brown.
8. Serve the beef almond ding hot, topped with the toasted almond slivers.
Enjoy your homemade beef almond ding!
Variations And Additions To Beef Almond Ding
There are many variations and additions to beef almond ding that can be made to suit individual tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas:
– Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the dish. This will give it a nice kick and balance out the sweetness of the sauce.
– Soy sauce: Some recipes call for soy sauce to be added to the marinade or the sauce. This will give the dish a more savory flavor and add depth to the overall taste.
– Broccoli: Adding some broccoli florets to the dish will give it a pop of green color and provide additional nutrients. Broccoli also pairs well with the other vegetables in the dish.
– Cashews: Swap out the almonds for cashews for a different flavor and texture. Cashews are also a good source of healthy fats and protein.
– Ginger: Adding some fresh ginger to the marinade or sauce will give the dish a nice zing and complement the other flavors well.
– Pineapple: For a tropical twist, add some diced pineapple to the dish. This will give it a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory beef and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions And Pairings For Beef Almond Ding
Beef almond ding is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your beef almond ding experience:
1. Rice: Beef almond ding is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which helps to balance out the rich and savory flavors of the dish. You can also try serving it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
2. Noodles: If you’re looking for a heartier option, try serving beef almond ding with noodles. Lo mein, udon, or soba noodles are all great choices that will soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Stir-fried vegetables: To add more veggies to your meal, try stir-frying some additional vegetables on the side. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas all pair well with beef almond ding.
4. Green beans: As mentioned in the raw text above, green beans with shallots, garlic, and almonds in brown butter make for a delicious pairing with beef almond ding.
5. Wine: For a perfect pairing, try serving beef almond ding with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. The tannins in the wine will complement the rich flavors of the dish.
