Fire Engine Chifa Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In the original American Fire Engine dish, the focus is on bold and spicy flavors, typically achieved through the use of hot sauces and chili peppers. In the Chifa adaptation, the flavors are influenced by Chinese and Peruvian cuisines. The Chifa version incorporates a tangy and spicy sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chili, which adds a unique twist to the dish. Additionally, the Chifa stir-fry includes traditional Chifa ingredients such as bell peppers and cilantro, enhancing the overall flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Fire Engine, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• For the marinade: For the marinade:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• For the Chifa sauce: For the Chifa sauce:
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon chili paste 1 teaspoon chili paste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the beef with the marinade ingredients. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the Chifa sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. 4.
   Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. 6.
   Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the Chifa sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
8. 8.
   Serve the Fire Engine Chifa Stir-Fry hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a tender and juicy result, slice the beef against the grain. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and ensure a more tender texture.
• Ginger — To easily grate ginger, use the back of a spoon to scrape off the skin, then grate using a fine grater or microplane.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili paste or fresh chili peppers to the Chifa sauce.
• Customize the stir-fry by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or seitan and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it altogether.
• To save time, prepare the marinade and Chifa sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving advice

Serve the Fire Engine Chifa Stir-Fry hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness. Pair it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors.

Presentation advice

Present the Fire Engine Chifa Stir-Fry in a vibrant and colorful dish to showcase the beautiful combination of bell peppers, beef, and sauce. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing touch. Serve it family-style in a large serving bowl or individual plates for an elegant presentation.