If you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine, chances are you’ve heard of Ming’s Restaurant in Palo Alto, California.
This local favorite has been serving up gourmet dishes with an upscale flair since 1967.
One of their most popular dishes is Ming’s Beef, a flavorful and savory dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
But what exactly is Ming’s Beef?
In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients and preparation of this beloved dish, and even share a recipe so you can try it for yourself at home.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn all about Ming’s Beef.
What Is Ming’s Beef?
Ming’s Beef is a Chinese dish that features thinly sliced flank steak marinated in garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. The beef is then stir-fried with scallions, garlic slices, and watercress, and seasoned with oyster sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
The dish is typically served over a bed of crispy fried rice noodles, which add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Ming’s Beef is known for its bold flavors and tender texture, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors to the restaurant.
The History Of Ming’s Restaurant
Ming’s Restaurant has a rich history that spans several decades and multiple locations. The restaurant was founded by Ming Eng, a talented chef who immigrated to Canada as a teenager from China. Within ten years, he became the head chef at a Toronto restaurant before moving to Huntington, West Virginia to work at the Makiki Club at the Holiday Inn.
After eleven years at the Makiki Club, Ming decided to open his own restaurant in the former Elephant Walk Club of the Frederick Hotel. Ming’s quickly became a popular eatery that served a combination of Chinese and Polynesian dishes.
In 1998, Ming’s relocated to the Stone Lodge Motel, where it operated for another ten years before closing its doors in 2009. Today, the original location of Ming’s is home to 21 At The Frederick, while the Stone Lodge motel has been repurposed as the Prestera Center for Mental Health.
Despite its closure, Ming’s legacy lives on through its delicious dishes, including its famous Ming’s Beef. The restaurant was known for its bold flavors and tender textures, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Although Ming’s may no longer be in operation, its impact on the Huntington food scene will not be forgotten.
Ingredients Used In Ming’s Beef
To make Ming’s Beef, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of sliced fresh ginger root
– 1 1/2 pounds of flank steak, sliced thinly across the grain into 3-inch strips
– 4 ounces of saifun noodles (also called rice or cellophane noodles), dry
– Oil for frying noodles and for stir-frying (avoid using olive oil unless it has no flavor at all)
– 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
The first step in making Ming’s Beef is to marinate the sliced beef in a mixture of minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for at least one hour in the fridge or overnight. Once marinated, the beef is stir-fried in a hot wok with scallions, garlic slices, and watercress until it is rare and browned. The dish is then seasoned with oyster sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
To add some crunch to the dish, crispy fried rice noodles are typically served underneath the beef mixture. These noodles are fried in oil until puffed and then drained on paper towels.
The Preparation Process For Ming’s Beef
To prepare Ming’s Beef, start by cutting the flank steak across the grain into thin slices. Then, marinate the beef in a mixture of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Next, heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
In the same wok, add some more oil and stir-fry scallions, garlic slices, and watercress for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened. Then, add the beef back into the wok along with oyster sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir-fry everything together for another minute or two until the beef is fully cooked and coated in sauce.
To serve, place a bed of crispy fried rice noodles on a plate and top it with the beef and vegetable mixture. Garnish with some chopped scallions or cilantro if desired.
Tips For Cooking Ming’s Beef At Home
If you want to recreate Ming’s Beef at home, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the same delicious flavors and textures:
1. Marinate the beef for at least one hour, or overnight, to allow the garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to infuse the meat with flavor.
2. Use a hot wok or skillet to quickly stir-fry the beef until it is rare and brown. This will help to lock in the juices and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
3. Be sure to caramelize the scallions and garlic slices before adding the beef back into the wok. This will add depth and complexity to the dish.
4. Wok stir the watercress until it is lightly wilted and shiny. This will help to release its natural flavors and aromas.
5. Season the dish with oyster sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-season, as the dish should have a balanced flavor profile.
6. Serve immediately over crispy fried rice noodles for added texture and crunch.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Ming’s Beef dish at home that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Other Popular Dishes At Ming’s Restaurant
In addition to Ming’s Beef, there are several other dishes that have become popular among diners at Ming’s Restaurant. One of these is the signature Chinese chicken salad, which features shredded chicken, crispy wonton strips, and a tangy sesame dressing. Another favorite is the pork dumplings, which are filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and vegetables and served with a soy dipping sauce.
For those looking for something heartier, there is also the option of ordering one of the restaurant’s famous dim sum dishes. These small plates come in both savory and sweet varieties, and include classics like egg rolls and steamed buns filled with barbecue pork.
For seafood lovers, the butterfish dish is a must-try. This succulent and fatty fish is served with soba noodle sushi and wakame salad, and topped with a soy-lime syrup and wasabi oil for an extra kick.
No matter what dish you choose at Ming’s Restaurant, you can expect bold flavors and high-quality ingredients that are sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine.
