If you’ve ever wondered how to cook shaved beef to juicy, tender perfection, you’re in the right place! Shaved beef, also known as shaved steak, is thinly sliced beef that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from stir-fries and tacos to sandwiches and Asian-inspired dishes. Let’s dive into how to cook shaved beef with easy techniques and tasty recipes you’ll love.
What Is Shaved Beef?
Shaved beef is simply beef that has been sliced very thinly, often about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Because it’s so thin, it cooks rapidly and is incredibly tender. You can usually find it pre-sliced at the store, or you can slice your own by partially freezing a steak to make thin slicing easier. It’s ideal for quick meals and dishes that require beef to soak up sauces and marinades fast.
Preparing Shaved Beef for Cooking
Before cooking shaved beef, it’s a good idea to:
– Bring it to room temperature: Let the beef sit out of the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from getting tough.
– Marinate or coat: Toss the shaved beef in a marinade or coat it lightly with starch (like cornstarch or tapioca starch). This adds flavor and helps create a nice crust when cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to ensure each piece gets a good sear and cooks evenly.
How to Cook Shaved Beef: Basic Methods
1. Pan-Searing or Stir-Frying
This is the most common way to cook shaved beef. Here’s how:
– Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
– Add the shaved beef in a single layer, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Because the beef is thin, it cooks very fast.
– If making a stir-fry, remove the beef once browned, then cook your vegetables in the same pan.
– Return the beef to the pan, add your sauce, and toss everything together to coat and heat through.
2. Using a Griddle or Flat-Top Grill
A griddle works great for shaved beef because it provides even heat and plenty of surface area. Preheat the griddle to medium-high, oil it lightly, and cook the beef quickly, flipping once.
3. For Sandwiches or Tacos
Shaved beef is perfect for sandwiches like Philly cheesesteaks or tacos. Cook the beef quickly in a skillet with some seasoning, then pile it onto toasted bread or warm taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Flavor Ideas and Recipes
Shaved Beef Stir-Fry
– Toss shaved beef with tapioca starch.
– Stir-fry beef until browned.
– Cook broccoli or other veggies in the same pan.
– Add a sauce made from coconut aminos (or soy sauce), garlic, ginger, and a bit of sugar.
– Combine everything and garnish with sesame seeds.
Mongolian Shaved Beef
– Marinate shaved beef in soy sauce and cornstarch.
– Sauté garlic and ginger in oil.
– Cook beef quickly until browned.
– Add brown sugar, beef broth, and green onions.
– Simmer briefly until sauce thickens.
Shaved Beef Tacos
– Season shaved beef with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
– Cook in a skillet until browned.
– Serve in taco shells with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, and cilantro.
Shaved Steak Sandwiches
– Roast garlic butter for the bread.
– Cook shaved steak with Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes.
– Toast bread and spread with garlic butter.
– Layer steak and Swiss cheese on bread, then bake until cheese melts.
– Drizzle with chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Shaved Beef
– Don’t overcook: Because the beef is thin, it only needs a minute or two per side. Overcooking will dry it out.
– Use high heat: This helps to sear the beef quickly and lock in juices.
– Marinate for tenderness: A quick marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger adds flavor and keeps the beef tender.
– Cook in batches: Avoid crowding the pan to get a nice crust on each piece.
– Add sauce at the end: Toss beef with sauce after cooking to keep it from steaming and losing texture.
Why Cook Shaved Beef?
Shaved beef is a fantastic choice when you want a quick, delicious meal. Its thin slices mean it cooks in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it soaks up marinades and sauces better than thicker cuts, giving you rich, flavorful bites every time. Whether you’re craving Asian stir-fry, hearty sandwiches, or spicy tacos, shaved beef is your go-to ingredient.
Shaved beef is easy to cook, quick to prepare, and endlessly versatile. With these tips and recipes, you’ll be able to whip up tasty meals that impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with shaved beef!