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Chinese Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Chinese Beef Skewers

Chinese Beef Skewers are a beloved staple in family kitchens, particularly in the northern regions of China where grilled meats are a favored comfort. Unlike the street market versions, this home-cooked rendition emphasizes the tactile art of seasoning by hand, a skill passed down through generations. The dish often appears at casual family meals, where the focus is on the joy of sharing rather than elaborate presentation.

Expect a symphony of flavors that balance savory and aromatic notes, with cumin and black pepper providing a gentle kick against the rich, tender beef. Generous use of fat ensures each bite is succulent, while the onions lend a sweet counterpoint. These skewers invite a communal enjoyment, making every meal an occasion to savor.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by seasoning 800 g of beef cubes with fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp of cumin. Ensure each piece is evenly coated by tossing them gently in a large bowl. This step infuses the beef with flavor and tenderizes it slightly.
  2. Peel and slice 1 onion into thin wedges. This will add sweetness and depth to the skewers as they cook.
  3. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned beef cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook them until each side is deeply browned, turning occasionally. Look for a rich, caramelized crust on the beef, which indicates they are properly browned.
  4. Once the beef is browned, thread the cubes onto skewers, alternating with the onion wedges. This allows the onion to impart its flavor directly into the beef as they cook together.
  5. If you choose to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the beef is tender and the onions are slightly charred. If you prefer to braise, return the skewers to the skillet, add a splash of water, cover, and simmer on low heat until the beef is tender and the onions are soft.
  6. Taste a piece of beef for salt, adjusting if necessary. The beef should be juicy and flavorful, with a slight smokiness from the grill or a rich depth from the braise.
  7. Serve the skewers immediately, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad, allowing everyone to enjoy the communal experience of Chinese home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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