Spicy Cajun Stir-fry Beef
Capture the spicy flavour of jambalaya in a fraction of the usual preparation time. Streamline it further by preparing the vegetables while the meat marinates. Serve over hot whole grain rice or couscous.
1. Stir-fry: Drain tomatoes, collecting juice in sealable freezer bag; set tomatoes aside. Add cornstarch to juice in bag and stir to combine. Add beef strips to bag, massaging with marinade; seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Cajun Spice Mix: Meanwhile, combine paprika, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, mace and pepper in a small bowl. Set 2 tsp (10 mL) aside for stir-fry and store remaining in a jar or airtight container for another use. (Makes about ¼ cup/60 mL.)
3. Drain meat through colander set over bowl, reserving marinade. Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Cook beef strips for 1 minute per side or until just browned. Transfer to bowl.
4. Add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic to pan; stir-fry for 5 minutes or until almost tender-crisp. Stir in reserved Cajun Spice Mix, reserved marinade, tomatoes, beef and any accumulated juices and corn. Bring to boil; cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with parsley.
Use remaining Cajun Spice Mix for another stir-fry or as a rub on beef roasts or steaks before roasting or grilling.
Ingredients
Directions
1. Stir-fry: Drain tomatoes, collecting juice in sealable freezer bag; set tomatoes aside. Add cornstarch to juice in bag and stir to combine. Add beef strips to bag, massaging with marinade; seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Cajun Spice Mix: Meanwhile, combine paprika, basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, cayenne, mace and pepper in a small bowl. Set 2 tsp (10 mL) aside for stir-fry and store remaining in a jar or airtight container for another use. (Makes about ¼ cup/60 mL.)
3. Drain meat through colander set over bowl, reserving marinade. Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Cook beef strips for 1 minute per side or until just browned. Transfer to bowl.
4. Add onion, celery, green pepper and garlic to pan; stir-fry for 5 minutes or until almost tender-crisp. Stir in reserved Cajun Spice Mix, reserved marinade, tomatoes, beef and any accumulated juices and corn. Bring to boil; cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with parsley.
Use remaining Cajun Spice Mix for another stir-fry or as a rub on beef roasts or steaks before roasting or grilling.
