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Hunan niurou (湖南牛肉)

China

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Hunan Niurou, spicy Chinese beef, anime Ghibli illustration

Juicy beef slices stir-fried with hot chilies and aromatic spices characteristic of Hunan province cuisine. A quick dish bursting with bright flavors.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Hunan Niurou cooking step illustration, Studio Ghibli anime style

    Place the beef in the freezer for 1‑2 hours until slightly frozen, then slice thinly across the grain.

  2. Marinating beef for Hunan Niurou, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli anime illustration

    In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, potato starch, white pepper, and neutral cooking oil. Add the beef and thoroughly work the marinade into the meat so it is fully coated.

  3. Hunan Niurou beef marinating process, anime cooking illustration Ghibli

    Let the beef marinate for about 10 minutes.

  4. Heating wok with oil for Hunan Niurou, Ghibli watercolor illustration

    Heat a wok over very high heat, add 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil and quickly coat the walls.

  5. Chinese cuisine anime illustration, beef stir-frying in wok, Ghibli style

    Add the beef to the scorching wok and stir-fry quickly, constantly stirring, until the meat is no longer pink.

  6. Hunan Niurou cooking step, stir-frying with chili celery garlic ginger, Ghibli anime

    When the beef is nearly done, add fresh chili, pickled chili, celery, minced garlic and ginger. Keep the high heat, stirring constantly, for about 1‑2 minutes.

  7. Hunan Niurou serving with rice, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli anime illustration

    Remove the dish from the heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.

FAQ

What makes Húnán Niúròu (湖南牛肉) different from other Chinese beef dishes?

Húnán Niúròu is characterized by its bold, spicy, and often sour flavors, typical of Hunan province cuisine, using fresh and pickled chilies.

Can I adjust the spice level of this Hunan Beef recipe?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice by reducing the amount of fresh and pickled chilies used in the recipe.

What are good substitutes for Shaoxing rice wine?

Dry sherry or mirin (with a little less sugar) can be used as a substitute for Shaoxing rice wine in this recipe.

How long does it take to prepare Húnán Niúròu?

This Húnán Niúròu recipe takes approximately 28 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

What should I serve with Húnán Niúròu?

Húnán Niúròu is traditionally served with steamed white rice to balance its rich and spicy flavors. You can also add a side of blanched greens.