The summer heat has made many people shy away from big bellies and heavy food, but there seems to be an irresistible enthusiasm for vibrant beef. Beef is not only nutritious, but also rich in protein, iron, zinc and other nutrients, and eating it in moderation is very beneficial to the body. In this season, this article will discuss the best pairings of beef in summer, so that you can enjoy the combination of deliciousness and health even in the hot summer.
1. Types and characteristics of beef
In China, there are many types of beef, and the common ones are sirloin, eye meat, belly meat, tendon meat, etc. Different cuts of beef differ in taste and texture. Sirloin meat is more tender and suitable for quick cooking; On the other hand, the tendon meat is more suitable for slow cooking in order to bring out its unique flavor. Choosing the right cut of beef can have an important impact on cooking and pairing.
1. Sirloin steak
Sirloin steak is tender and suitable for steak lovers and is often used to make grilled steaks. Seasoned with simple sea salt and black pepper, it is served with a refreshing lettuce salad for a summer treat.
2. Tendon meat
The tendon meat has a rich flavor and is rich in collagen, making it suitable for stewed soups or stews. It can be paired with some seasonal vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms and green peppers, to make a soup that is both light and nutritious.
Second, the way beef is cooked
Summers are hot, and while beef is nutritious, the high-calorie cooking style is not suitable for hot climates. Therefore, we can opt for something light and light.
1. Stew
Beef stew is a simple and convenient way to cook, only need beef, ginger slices, shallots and a pinch of salt, and simmer for 1-2 hours to maintain the original flavor of the beef, while removing greasy and retaining the freshness of the meat. Stewed beef can be eaten with fresh seasonal vegetables such as lettuce and cucumber for added freshness.
2. Barbecue
In the summer, having a barbecue with family and friends is one of the most popular activities. All kinds of beef can be grilled, sirloin steak, beef skewers, etc., with some grilled seasonal vegetables, which can make the flavor richer. Try adding feta cheese, herbs and other toppings to enhance the flavor of roast beef.
3. Stir-frying
Stir-fried beef fillet is another classic recipe for quick preparation at home. Simply slice the beef, serve it with seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry it until the beef is raw, emphasizing the crisp texture, which is perfect for summer. Beef can be marinated earlier for better taste.
3. The best ingredients to go with beef
The summer diet is refreshing and appetizing, with fresh vegetables and seasonings, which can better neutralize the greasy feeling of the beef and achieve twice the result with half the effort.
1. Fresh vegetables
In the hot summer months, it is necessary to pair it with fresh, refreshing summer vegetables. For example, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, etc., are all excellent choices. The crispness of the cucumber contrasts with the tenderness of the beef, which adds richness to the taste.
2. Herbs and seasonings
In summer, the combination of herbs and seasonings can enhance the flavor of beef. For example, fresh basil, rosemary, and coriander can all add a unique flavor to beef. Moderate use of olive oil and lemon juice can not only improve the taste but also reduce the greasy feeling, making people feel fresh.
3. Drink pairing
When we enjoy beef, choosing the right drink can also enhance the overall dining experience. In summer, pair it with a refreshing drink such as mint tea, lemonade, or dry white wine, which can help with digestion without overshadowing the flavor of the beef.
Fourth, the concept of healthy matching of beef
Beef is good, but excessive consumption can also be a burden on the body. Therefore, the summer diet should be nutritionally balanced and balanced in moderation to enjoy delicious food and stay healthy.
1. Control the amount of food you eat
Generally speaking, adults should control the intake of beef at 100-200 grams per meal, with a large amount of vegetables and carbohydrates to maintain a balanced nutrition.
2. Diversification
In summer, you can try to mix beef with beans, seafood, and other ingredients to diversify your diet, such as stir-fried tofu with beef and broccoli. This combination is not only rich in nutrients, but also provides a different taste experience.
3. Pay attention to the freshness of the ingredients
No matter what the ingredients, freshness is the guarantee of quality. In the summer, try to choose fresh vegetables and high-quality beef in season to maximize the nutrition and taste of the ingredients.
5. Local characteristics of beef pairing
Food cultures across China have influenced the way beef is paired, such as the spicy flavor of beef in Sichuan cuisine and the lighter flavor of Cantonese cuisine, which is influenced by different regional climates and eating habits, helping us to better understand the diversity of beef.
1. Sichuan cuisine: spicy beef
Sichuan cuisine is known for its spicy flavor, and when paired with beef, spices such as bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns are often used to enhance the flavor. You can try to make a serving of dry pot beef, with dried chilies, soybean sprouts, etc., which will stimulate the taste buds and satisfy the taste.
2. Cantonese cuisine: steamed beef
Cantonese steamed beef is known for its lightness, often steamed with garlic, ginger slices and other accessories, retaining the original flavor of the meat, paired with fresh vegetables, simple and delicious.
3. Northeast cuisine: beef stew
Tohoku cuisine is particular about hot pot and stew, while beef is often simmered with potatoes and carrots, and the rich flavor makes people feel warm. In summer, you can reduce the fat in moderation and use more vegetables to match the beef.
6. Preservation and handling of beef
In summer, when the temperature is high, the preservation and handling of beef is particularly important. In order to ensure the freshness and safety of ingredients, we should master the correct refrigeration and defrosting methods.
1. Refrigerate properly
Fresh beef purchased should be refrigerated immediately to avoid spoiling by leaving it at room temperature for too long. The optimal refrigeration temperature is between 0°C and 4°C, and beef can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
2. Defrosting techniques
If the beef is frozen, it should be thawed slowly in the lower layer of the refrigerator one night in advance, and it is not recommended to use hot water or microwave oven to thaw the meat so as not to affect the quality and taste of the meat.
3. Pretreatment method
Beef can be marinated, seasoned with a pinch of salt, black pepper and olive oil, marinated for 1 hour before cooking, which can enhance the flavor of the beef.
In the hot summer, beef is a nutritious ingredient, as long as we master the cooking skills and pairing concepts, we can enjoy a delicious and healthy double feast. Whether it's a stew, grill or stir-fry, choosing a combination that complements seasonal vegetables and herbs will not only enhance the overall flavor of the food, but also give us a surge of energy in the heat of summer. So, this summer, be bold and experiment with a variety of beef pairings to discover the healthy flavors that suit you. Whether it's at home or with family and friends, don't forget to treat yourself to delicious beef and create memories of this summer.