Brooklyn Wiseguy-Cantonese Beef With Oyster Sauce
Introduction:
This culinary tale takes us to the streets of Brooklyn, where wiseguys roam and classic Cantonese flavors meet Italian-American sass. Picture a certain Chinese restaurant where wiseguys like Joey frequented, craving the comfort of Beef with Oyster Sauce but longing for a heartier, steakier experience.
Story Behind the Dish:
Joey, a regular with a penchant for quality, often teased the owner about the thin slices of “mystery meat” that accompanied the traditional dish. “Don’t youse guys ever feel like a nice steak?” he’d jest. Eager to please, the owner conspired with the chef to surprise Joey with a beefier rendition of his beloved dish. And thus, the Brooklyn Wiseguy-Cantonese Beef With Oyster Sauce was born.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds of steak (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup oyster sauce
- 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 – 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 6 firm ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1363.4
- Fat: 98.6g
- Saturated Fat: 34.3g
- Cholesterol: 231.3mg
- Sodium: 2419.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.7g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10.7g
- Protein: 66.9g
Instructions:
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| 20 minutes | Mix marinade ingredients and rub into steaks. |
| 20 minutes | Let steaks sit to absorb flavors. |
| 5 minutes | Mix together ingredients for sauce and set aside. |
| – | Toss lettuce with oil and vinegar, divide onto serving plates. |
| – | Heat a wok or heavy-based pan, then add oil to coat. |
| 3 minutes | Stir-fry garlic, ginger, onions, and mushrooms until crisp. |
| 1 minute | Add tomatoes and cook briefly. |
| 2 minutes | Add sauce mixture, bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened. |
| – | Keep warm while cooking steaks. |
| – | Broil, grill, or pan-cook steaks to desired doneness. |
| – | Place hot steaks on lettuce, spoon sauce and vegetables over each portion. |
| – | Serve with white rice and a knife for that Brooklyn flair. |
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice and a hearty appetite. The tender steak, enveloped in rich oyster sauce, is complemented by the crisp freshness of lettuce and tomatoes.
Conclusion:
With its origins rooted in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn and its flavors echoing the fusion of Cantonese and Italian-American influences, the Brooklyn Wiseguy-Cantonese Beef With Oyster Sauce is a testament to culinary creativity and the spirit of pleasing discerning palates. Serve it up, and let the flavors tell their own tale! 🍽️🥢
