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Fried Beef

Fried Beef recipe image
This robust Fried Beef recipe transforms tender beef into a deeply aromatic dish using a blend of black cardamom, fennel, and cinnamon. The meat is marinated in yogurt, which tenderizes the beef while adding a subtle tang that balances the warm spices. Stir-fried with onions, ginger, and garlic, the beef develops a rich, savory crust while remaining juicy inside. The addition of toasted cashews or melon seeds provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Calories: 397.9
Dietary: Gluten-free, Meat-Eater
Description
This robust Fried Beef recipe transforms tender beef into a deeply aromatic dish using a blend of black cardamom, fennel, and cinnamon. The meat is marinated in yogurt, which tenderizes the beef while adding a subtle tang that balances the warm spices. Stir-fried with onions, ginger, and garlic, the beef develops a rich, savory crust while remaining juicy inside. The addition of toasted cashews or melon seeds provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into thin strips
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 medium onions, diced
  • 4 black cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 stick cinnamon (2 inches)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted roasted cashews or melon seeds
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Directions
  1. 1
    Cut the beef into thin, uniform strips against the grain.
  2. 2
    In a bowl, combine the beef strips with yogurt and salt. Mix well to coat evenly.
  3. 3
    Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. 4
    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-low heat.
  5. 5
    Add the black cardamom pods, fennel seeds, and cinnamon stick.
  6. 6
    Dry-roast the spices, stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  7. 7
    Add the cashews or melon seeds to the wok and toast for 1 minute, then remove and set aside.
  8. 8
    Place the toasted spices and nuts in a blender. Add 1 teaspoon of water if needed and grind to a coarse paste.
  9. 9
    Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok.
  10. 10
    Add the diced onions and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  11. 11
    Remove onions with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the oil in the wok.
  12. 12
    Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer.
  13. 13
    Sear the beef without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a crust.
  14. 14
    Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until beef is browned but still tender.
  15. 15
    Push beef to the side and add ginger and garlic to the center. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  16. 16
    Add the ground spices (coriander, cumin, turmeric, red pepper) and the blended spice paste.
  17. 17
    Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly.
  18. 18
    Pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
  19. 19
    Return the fried onions and toasted nuts to the wok.
  20. 20
    Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  21. 21
    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 397.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23.6g37%
Saturated Fat 6.4g32%
Cholesterol 16.6mg6%
Sodium 4905.7mg205%
Total Carbohydrate 54.4g19%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g122%
Sugars 9.3g
Protein 9.2g19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best texture, ensure beef is cut against the grain into thin strips.

Yogurt marinates the meat, making it tender. Do not skip this step.

If you do not have black cardamom, you can substitute with regular green cardamom pods, though the flavor will be slightly less smoky.

Cashews can be replaced with almonds, pistachios, or melon seeds for variation.

Serve hot with basmati rice, naan bread, or chapati.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Keywords: beef, fried, spiced, curry, yogurt, cardamom, fennel, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onion, cashew, stir-fry, aromatic, main-dish, dinner, indian-style, turmeric, cumin, coriander
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/fried-beef-10/