Description
Enjoy this delicious Chinese Beef On A Stick recipe that perfectly replicates the popular beef skewers found at Chinese restaurants. Marinated for at least 8 hours to ensure tender, flavorful meat, these skewers are either broiled or air-fried to achieve a delightful charred finish. Perfect as a main course for 4 people, this dish features a tasty blend of hoisin sauce, soy, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice for an authentic Asian flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef & Marinade
- 1 pound sirloin beef (or top blade roast, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Chinese cooking wine (or water)
- ¼ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Chop the beef into 1-inch cubes. Place the beef in a large plastic bag and gently pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin for a few minutes to tenderize the meat.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five-spice powder, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Pour the marinade into the plastic bag with the beef. Massage the meat through the bag to coat all pieces evenly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate fully.
- Skewer the Beef: After marinating, thread the beef cubes onto skewers, leaving about ¼ inch of space between each piece to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
- Cook the Beef (Broiling Method): Preheat the broiler to 500°F and position the oven rack in the upper-middle. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack and lightly brush the beef with oil. Broil the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side until nicely charred.
- Cook the Beef (Air Fryer Method): Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the skewers inside (trim ends if necessary to fit). Spray the beef with oil and air-fry for 5 minutes per side until well charred and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from heat and serve hot as a flavorful main course or appetizer.
Notes
- Marinating for 8 hours is the minimum recommended time to tenderize and flavor the beef; marinating overnight yields even better results.
- Use a cut of beef with some connective tissue for maximum tenderness after marinating and cooking.
- If you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, water is an acceptable substitute.
- Space the beef pieces on the skewers to avoid steaming and to allow for a proper char.
- You can choose between broiling or air frying depending on your kitchen equipment and preference.
- Use metal or soaked wooden skewers to prevent burning during broiling or air frying.