Brazilian recipe
Brazilian-style Beef and Vegetable Stir-fry (Picadinho oriental)
Succulent beef sirloin cubes tossed with fresh vegetables in a savory-sweet soy sauce glaze. A quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
2 sirloin steaks (approx. 300g)
1/2 head of cauliflower
1 carrot
1 onion
3/4 cup frozen peas
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp grated ginger
1 cup water
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
Sliced spring onions to taste (for serving)
Toasted sesame seeds to taste (for serving)
1/2 head of cauliflower
1 carrot
1 onion
3/4 cup frozen peas
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tbsp grated ginger
1 cup water
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
Sliced spring onions to taste (for serving)
Toasted sesame seeds to taste (for serving)
Where to find ingredients
Sirloin steak is easily found at any local butcher or supermarket meat counter. For the Asian staples like soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and ginger, check the 'International' or 'Asian' aisle in your grocery store. Fresh cauliflower, carrots, and onions are readily available in the produce section. Frozen peas can be found in the freezer aisle. If you can't find specific brands, any standard pantry-staple soy sauce or distilled rice vinegar will work perfectly.
Preparation method
- Slice the steaks into 1 cm thin strips and transfer to a bowl, discarding any larger bits of fat
- Let the beef sit at room temperature so the pan does not cool down during cooking
- Prep the vegetables: remove the leaves and the base of the cauliflower stalk and cut into medium florets
- Wash the cauliflower and set aside in a colander
- Peel the carrot and cut it in half lengthwise
- Slice the carrot halves diagonally into 0.5 cm thin half-moons
- Peel the onion and cut into medium cubes
- Peel the garlic and slice it thinly
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium heat
- While the pan is heating, prepare the sauce: in a measuring jug or bowl, mix the water, soy sauce, and rice vinegar
- Add the cornstarch to the liquid mixture and stir well with a spoon to dissolve
- Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and add the beef strips
- Sear the meat for about 2 minutes without stirring, waiting until it releases from the pan before turning
- Transfer the seared beef to a bowl and drizzle with the remaining vegetable oil
- In the same pan, add the cauliflower and carrot and stir-fry for 6 minutes, until they begin to brown
- Add the onion and stir-fry for another 2 minutes
- Add the sliced garlic and grated ginger, mixing well to release the aromas
- Return the beef to the pan, add the frozen peas and stir, cooking for just 2 minutes to thaw the peas
- Pour the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture over the meat and vegetables
- Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy
- Turn off the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil, if using
- Finish by sprinkling with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds
- Serve immediately, preferably with Japanese or white rice
Observations
This stir-fry is a vibrant Brazilian take on Asian-inspired flavors. It pairs tender, bite-sized sirloin with crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in a rich, aromatic sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger. It's a reliable, speedy go-to for a special lunch or dinner and pairs perfectly with a side of steamed white rice.
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