Thinly Sliced Beef: 6 Delicious Recipes for Busy Nights
As a working parent, I know how hard it is to make a good meal on a busy night. But thinly sliced beef can be your secret ingredient. These six recipes show how thinly sliced beef can make quick, tasty dinners that everyone will love.
Looking for a tasty beef stir-fry, a classic beef carpaccio, or a juicy beef shawarma? These recipes highlight the versatility of thinly sliced beef. And the best part? They’re all ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for those crazy weeknights.
Let’s explore how thinly sliced beef can change your dinner game. Get ready to wow your family with these quick, easy, and delicious recipes. They’re sure to become your new go-to dishes.
Table of Contents
What is Thinly Sliced Beef?
Thinly sliced beef is beef cut into very thin slices, almost like paper. These slices are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This makes them cook fast and soak up flavors well.
The most common cuts for this are sirloin, flank steak, skirt steak, and hanger steak. These cuts get tender quickly when cooked at high heat.
Cuts of Beef for Thinly Slicing
- Sirloin: A lean and flavorful cut that is ideal for quick-cooking methods.
- Flank Steak: A versatile cut that is commonly used for stir-fries and fajitas.
- Skirt Steak: A thin, fibrous cut that is perfect for thinly slicing and quick cooking.
- Hanger Steak: An extremely tender and flavorful cut that is sometimes referred to as the “butcher’s steak”.
Benefits of Thinly Sliced Beef
Thinly slicing beef has many benefits:
- Quick Cooking Time: The thin slices cook quickly, making them ideal for fast weeknight meals or stir-fries.
- Flavor Absorption: The thin slices absorb marinades and seasonings more easily, resulting in more flavorful dishes.
- Tender Texture: Thinly sliced beef becomes extremely tender when cooked over high heat, making it a family-friendly option.
Understanding the benefits of thinly sliced beef and the best cuts to use can help you make delicious, quick recipes. Your family will love them.
Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
Make a tasty Mongolian Beef stir-fry in just 25 minutes! It’s a mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Thinly sliced sirloin steak is coated in a delicious sauce and cooked fast. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
- 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon Asian chili paste (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
Cooking Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix the sirloin steak, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili paste. Toss to coat the beef well.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. This will cook the beef and thicken the sauce.
3. Add the sliced green onions and cook for 1-2 minutes more. This will soften the onions slightly.
4. Serve the Mongolian Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy this quick and easy meal!
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 379 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 68mg |
| Sodium | 1136mg |
| Potassium | 508mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 41g |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg |
| Calcium | 68mg |
| Iron | 2.7mg |
Beef Stir-Fry with Noodles
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try this beef stir-fry with noodles. The secret is in the marinade for the beef. It makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Marinade for Thinly Sliced Beef
To make the marinade, mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This mix tenderizes the beef and adds rich flavor. The leftover marinade thickened with cornstarch becomes a tasty sauce for noodles and veggies.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Beef Broth | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
For the best results, marinate the beef for 25-30 minutes. This makes the meat tender and juicy.
This marinade turns thinly sliced beef into a delicious stir-fry. It’s perfect with fresh flat rice noodles. The mix of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors will make everyone want more.
Garlic Butter thinly sliced beef Bites with Sautéed Cabbage
This dish has tender, juicy beef that’s seared and tossed in garlic butter sauce. It’s served with sautéed cabbage for a tangy, crunchy contrast. You can also serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes for a fuller meal.
Ingredients for Sautéed Cabbage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 lb cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10-12 oz rump steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1.4 oz butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
To make sautéed cabbage, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cumin seeds, cooking for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent. Then, add butter, cabbage, salt, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
For garlic butter steak bites, heat olive oil in another skillet over high heat. Season steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Lower heat to medium, then add butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Toss steak bites in the sauce until coated evenly.
Serve sautéed cabbage and garlic butter steak bites together. Spoon extra sauce from steak over cabbage. This dish is tasty and low-carb, and you can adjust it to your taste.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 389 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 93 mg |
| Sodium | 1457 mg |
| Potassium | 737 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Vitamin A | 537 IU |
| Vitamin C | 62 mg |
| Calcium | 122 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Steak bites are small steak cubes seared and coated in garlic butter sauce. It’s best to use sirloin, tenderloin, New York strip steak, or ribeye for steak bites. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
“This dish is a delicious and low-carb option that can be easily customized to your liking.”
Beef Carpaccio: A Classic Italian Dish
Beef Carpaccio is a timeless Italian appetizer with paper-thin raw beef slices. It was named after Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio, famous for his red colors. It became popular in the 1950s at Harry’s Bar in Venice, created by Giuseppe Cipriani.
History of Beef Carpaccio
Beef Carpaccio was invented in 1950 by Giuseppe Cipriani from Harry’s Bar in Venice. It quickly became a beloved classic in Italy. It shows the country’s love for simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, Beef Carpaccio is served with various accompaniments. These enhance its fresh, bold flavors. Typical suggestions include:
- Arugula salad
- Parmesan cheese shavings
- Capers
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and lemon juice
For extra flavor, you can add truffle oil, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh herbs. Beef Carpaccio is great as a starter or a light main course with a salad.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef Tenderloin | 14 oz (400g) |
| Arugula | 2 cups |
| Grana Padano Cheese | 1/2 cup, shaved |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
To make perfect Beef Carpaccio, use high-quality, fresh beef tenderloin. Slice it paper-thin, about 1/4 inch thick. This classic Italian dish will impress your guests with its delicate texture and bold flavor.
Beef Shawarma: A Middle Eastern Delight
Beef shawarma is a favorite in the Middle East. It’s made with thinly sliced beef marinated in spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and lemon juice. The meat is then roasted on a vertical spit, blending the flavors beautifully.
The beef is sliced thin and served in various ways. It’s often wrapped in warm pitas or on platters. You can add toppings like hummus, tabbouleh, and pickled turnips to make it your own.
Authentic Shawarma Marinade
The marinade is key to authentic beef shawarma. Here’s a classic recipe:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, thinly sliced into 2-inch strips
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Add the beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
After marinating, roast the beef on a vertical spit or skewers. Serve it in warm pitas or on platters with your favorite toppings for a true Middle Eastern taste.
Brisket Tacos with Thinly Sliced Beef
To make delicious brisket tacos, start with a flavorful brisket. Slow-cook the brisket until it’s tender and full of flavor. Then, slice it thinly against the grain for the perfect taco texture.
Preparing the Brisket
The brisket is key to these tacos. Cooking it low and slow is best. This makes it tender and easy to shred.
Cook the brisket uncovered for 8 to 10 hours. This long cooking time adds deep flavor. It pairs well with the tacos’ toppings.
Taco Toppings and Sides
Top these tacos with onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa. The brisket is served on warm tortillas. It’s a tasty taco experience.
Pair the tacos with Mexican sides like rice, refried beans, or cabbage slaw. These sides balance the brisket’s richness. They add variety to the meal.
Slow-cooking the brisket makes it tender. Then, slicing it thinly creates a delicious taco. The flavorful brisket, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings make for a great meal.
Leftover thinly sliced beef Recipes
Thinly sliced beef is very versatile. It can be used in many tasty dishes beyond the first recipe. If you have leftover thinly sliced beef, you can add it to your meals. This helps reduce food waste and makes meals easy and tasty.
Here are some ideas for using up leftover thinly sliced beef:
- Add it to fried rice for a quick and satisfying stir-fry.
- Incorporate it into breakfast scrambles with eggs, vegetables, and seasonings.
- Use it to top salads for a protein-packed and flavor-packed meal.
- Create quick sandwiches or wraps with the leftover beef, along with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Thinly sliced beef is great for making different and healthy meals. By using it in new ways, you can save time and reduce waste. Plus, you get to enjoy tasty and satisfying dishes.
| Leftover Steak Amount | Suggested Recipes |
|---|---|
| 1/2 pound of cooked sirloin steak | Beef and Veggie Fried Rice |
| 1 pound of cooked beef flank or skirt steak | Breakfast Scramble with Thinly Sliced Beef |
| 1-1/2 pounds of cooked sirloin steak | Steak and Arugula Salad |
| 1 pound of cooked beef ribeye, strip, skirt or flank steak | Beef and Cheese Wraps |
Using leftover thinly sliced beef in these ways can make your meals varied and tasty. Try different combinations to find your new favorite dishes.
Remember, leftover steak is best eaten within 3 days for the best taste and quality. With a bit of creativity, you can turn leftover thinly sliced beef into tasty meals. This saves you time and money.
Share your favorite leftover steak recipes in the comments below! We’d love to hear your ideas for repurposing this versatile ingredient.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve looked at how thinly sliced beef can make your dinners better. It’s perfect for quick stir-fries and classic dishes from Italy and the Middle East. These 6 recipes show how versatile thinly sliced beef can be.
Thinly sliced beef is great for any meal, whether you want something light or hearty. Its thin slices cook fast, and different marinades add lots of flavor. You’ll learn how to grill it just right and cook it perfectly.
Next time you’re short on time but want a tasty meal, try thinly sliced beef. It’s a kitchen game-changer. We hope you’ll see how easy and delicious it can make your meals.