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Chinese Beef On A Stick Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 45 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Chinese

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.