How to Make and Enjoy The Silky Beef Paste?

Published by Leon at 2024-12-26

Main Ingredient:
- Ground beef (choose leaner cuts like shoulder or leg): 300 grams
- Ice water or ice cubes: as needed (to keep the mixture cold)
Additional Ingredients:
- Egg white: 1 (for added smoothness)
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (to adjust consistency)
- Ginger: a small piece (minced)
- Green onions: to taste (chopped)
Seasonings:
- Salt: to taste
- White pepper powder: a pinch
- Rice wine (Shaoxing wine or cooking wine): 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: a few drops (for aroma)

Prepare the Beef:
- Rinse the beef and cut it into small pieces. Use a food processor or meat grinder to process it into a fine mince.
- Alternatively, finely chop the beef with a knife until it reaches a very fine consistency.
Mix and Stir:
- Place the minced beef in a large bowl. Add egg white, cornstarch, minced ginger, chopped green onions, salt, white pepper, rice wine, and light soy sauce.
- Begin stirring in one direction while gradually adding a small amount of ice water or ice cubes. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes sticky and elastic, which may take several minutes.
Adjust Consistency:
- Adjust the consistency according to your preference; add more ice water if too dry or more cornstarch if too runny.
Chill (Optional):
- If time permits, refrigerate the prepared beef paste for about half an hour to set it, making it easier to handle later.

Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop up some of the beef paste and gently form it into balls before dropping them into the boiling water.
- Cook over medium heat until the beef balls float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
- Serve with vegetables like bok choy or spinach for a complete dish. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil.

Steps:
- Pour the beef paste into a heatproof container and smooth the top. Steam over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until fully set.
- Once cooled, slice the loaf and use it in stir-fries, salads, or as part of a hot pot meal.

Steps:
- Take a portion of the beef paste, roll it into a ball, and flatten it into a patty shape.
- Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan and fry the patties over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and thoroughly cooked inside.
- Enjoy as is or serve in sandwiches or burgers.

With Rice: Pair the beef balls or patties with steamed rice for a hearty meal.
As a Dipping Sauce: Prepare the beef paste slightly thicker to serve as a dipping sauce for noodles or other snacks.
Creative Dishes: Incorporate the silky beef paste into creative dishes such as dumplings, wontons, or as stuffing for baked dishes.

By following these steps, you can easily create a silky beef paste at home and enjoy it in multiple delightful ways. I hope this helps you cook and savor this delicious dish!