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Sticky Chinese Beef Skewers

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3.9 from 22 reviews

This Chinese Beef On A Stick recipe replicates the flavorful and tender beef skewers often found at Chinese restaurants. Marinated for at least 8 hours to fully infuse the meat with a blend of hoisin, oyster sauce, and Chinese five-spice, these skewers are deliciously charred either by broiling or air frying, making for a perfect main course that is beloved by skewer enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 pound sirloin beef (or an inexpensive cut with lots of connective tissue like top blade roast)
  • 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 to ensure even marinating and cooking. Then, place the beef cubes in a large plastic bag and tenderize by pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin for a few minutes to break down the connective tissue.
  2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, Chinese cooking wine (or water), Chinese five-spice powder, and baking soda. Mix the ingredients well until smooth.
  3. Marinate the beef: Pour the marinade into the plastic bag with the beef. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the meat with your hands until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, ideally 24 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  4. Skewer the beef: Thread the beef cubes onto skewers, leaving approximately ¼ inch of space between each piece to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
  5. Broil the skewers: Preheat your broiler to 500°F and position the oven rack on the upper-middle level. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place a rack on top. Arrange the skewers on the rack and brush the tops lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Broil for 5-7 minutes on each side until the beef is nicely charred and cooked through.
  6. Alternatively, air-fry the skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers in the basket, trimming the ends if necessary to fit. Spray the tops of the skewers with oil and air-fry for 5 minutes on each side until charred and cooked to your liking.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 8 hours is essential for tender, flavorful beef; overnight marination is recommended for best results.
  • Choose sirloin or a tender cut for the best texture; tougher cuts can be used but require thorough tenderizing and marination.
  • When broiling, keep a close eye on the skewers to avoid burning due to high heat.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
  • The air fryer method offers a quicker alternative with similar char and texture to broiling.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/sticky-chinese-beef-skewers/