Learn how to make delicious and tender shaking beef just like at a restaurant – Mytour

If you're looking to change up the flavors for the whole family, then check out how to make tasty and tender shaking beef just like the restaurant standard. Despite the fancy name, making shaking beef is actually very simple. Let's get cooking with Mytour for an easy and fragrant shaking beef recipe below!

1. What is Shaking Beef? Introducing Shaking Beef Dish

Shaking beef is a delicious beef dish familiar in Vietnam, especially in the South. Beef is sliced into small square pieces and then stir-fried with other ingredients like onions, green peppers, red peppers, etc.

Image: collected

The reason it's called 'shaking beef' is because it originates from the appearance of the dish. 'Shaking' or sometimes called 'dice' refers to the beef pieces being cut into squares, resembling the shape and size of dice. 

Image: collected

Additionally, some people interpret 'shaking' as a verb. When stir-frying, the beef is tossed in the pan, resembling a shaking motion. That's why, in some restaurants catering to foreigners, the dish 'bò lúc lắc' is translated to 'shaking beef'.

If you're wondering what delicious beef stir-fry to make, you can try making shaking beef to enjoy with family or friends.

2. Ingredients for Shaking Beef

If you're unsure what delicious beef sirloin can make, think of shaking beef right away. This is the key ingredient that helps the dish become fragrant and of the highest quality. The sirloin meat, after cooking, will be tender and fragrant, making it easier to eat. Specifically, to prepare shaking beef, you need the following ingredients:

• Beef sirloin: 600g
• Onion: 1 small bulb
• Bell pepper: 1 green, 1 red (choose small ones)
• Dried garlic: 1 bulb
• Dried shallots: 1 bulb
• 2 teaspoons of oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of fish sauce
• ½ teaspoon of cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon of ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or tapioca flour
• Lettuce

3. Simple Recipe for Delicious and Tender Shaking Beef at Home

Preparation Steps for Ingredients

Step 1: After purchasing the beef, rinse it thoroughly and let it drain. Then, remove any tendons and fat. Cut into square pieces (about 1.5 – 2 cm thick). 

Image: @vickypham.com

Step 2: Peel and dice the onion into small pieces, cutting them into square shapes (about 2cm).

Step 3: Cut the bell peppers into square pieces as well (about 2cm).

Step 4: Rinse the lettuce, remove the core, and let it drain.

Step 5: Peel and crush the garlic and dried shallots, then finely chop them.

How to Make Shaking Beef

Step 1: Mix the beef with sugar, fish sauce, ground pepper, cornstarch, and half of the minced dried shallots and garlic. Combine the ingredients thoroughly and marinate for about 45 to 60 minutes. 

Image: Marinating shaking beef (@vickypham.com)

Step 2: After marinating the beef for 45 minutes, mix it with tapioca flour and continue marinating for an additional 15 minutes. Marinating with tapioca flour will tenderize the beef further. 

Step 3: Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of seasoning. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onion turns pale but remains slightly firm. Once done, remove the onion and bell pepper from the pan.

Image: collected

Step 4: Sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant in cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef along with ground pepper and oyster sauce. Use high heat to sear the beef on all sides.

Step 5: When the beef is cooked through, add the cooked bell pepper and onion back to the pan. Stir for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. 

Image: collected

Step 6: Place lettuce leaves on a plate and top with the cooked shaking beef. Optionally, garnish with some cilantro for an appealing presentation. 

4. Finished Product Requirements

The beef should have a brown color, seared on the outside but juicy inside. It should not be overcooked, tender to eat, not dry, and carry the fragrant aroma of the meat.

Onions and bell peppers remain crisp after stir-frying. When eaten, they provide a satisfying crunch and reduce spiciness.

Image: @vickypham.com

What's good to eat with shaking beef? Shaking beef can be enjoyed with french fries, bread, or steamed rice. 

5. Tips for making tender, delicious shaking beef

• Marinating beef with cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and prevent it from becoming tough after stir-frying. 
• Because the beef is marinated with sugar, it can quickly burn when stir-frying. Stirring frequently ensures even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the beef as it will result in tough, less appetizing meat.
• Marinate the beef for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Avoid marinating the beef for too long.

Above is the guide on how to make shaking beef as delicious as in restaurants in the simplest way. Hopefully, with the suggestions revealed by Mytour Blog, you can easily showcase your cooking skills to treat your entire family.

In addition to shaking beef, you can also explore other delicious and simple beef stir-fry recipes such as:

• Stir-fried beef with cucumber
• Beef stir-fry with fried potatoes
• Beef stir-fry with kimchi