Elaine GordonPasta salad season has come alive, but let’s take a moment to delve into a different type of dish that can rev up your summer dining experience. Let’s talk about Trader Joe’s shaved beef. This tender, flavorful cut of meat is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fancy gatherings.
Paired with bright veggies and a delightful sauce, it creates a showstopper on your table. Picture this: savory beef stir-fried with vibrant broccoli, bell peppers, and a hint of sesame—who wouldn’t want that?
Why Trader Joe’s Shaved Beef is Great for You
Why choose Trader Joe’s shaved beef? For starters, it cooks quickly, which is a lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule. With endless possibilities for flavor combinations, you can tailor the dish to your liking. Additionally, thinly sliced beef is perfect for stir-frying, absorbing marinades beautifully. It’s a special treat that fits well into various diets while staying budget-friendly.
I can always count on the quality of Trader Joe’s products, thanks to their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. When I stumble upon their shaved beef in the freezer aisle, it brings a smile to my face.
How I Use the Ingredients
Let’s talk specifics. When using the shaved beef, I make sure to balance flavors and textures. The broccoli adds crunch and nutrition, while the bell pepper introduces subtle sweetness. I love how colorful everything looks on the cutting board.
And the sauce? Oh man! That mix of coconut aminos, garlic, and ginger sends your taste buds dancing. The ingredients come together like a family reunion, each one bringing its unique flair yet contributing to the overall harmony of the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, plus more as needed
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced (adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos (or Tamari/soy sauce)
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
How to Make Trader Joe’s Shaved Beef
Cooking is like storytelling; put your heart into it. Now, let’s see how to make this dish step by step:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before we fire up the stove, I like to gather all my ingredients. Chop the broccoli and bell pepper, slice the green onions, and prepare the sauce. Organization is key here, almost like laying out your tools before a big project.
Step 2: Create the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, coconut sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This sauce packs a flavor punch. As I mix, the scents wafting into the air get me excited for what’s coming next. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Coat the Beef
Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the shaved beef and toss well. This step helps create a lovely crust when we cook the beef, enriching the dish with flavor. I always feel empowered when I take this extra step.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but don’t let that oil smoke like it’s trying to flee.
Step 5: Sear the Beef
Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef to the pan. Don’t crowd the pan. There’s a fine line between searing and steaming, and we want flavor, not mush. Cook until it’s browned, about 3–4 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp. While cooking, remember to keep things moving. Here’s where it gets colorful!
Step 7: Combine and Sauce
Return the beef to the pan, then pour in your stir-fry sauce. Allow the whole thing to bubble away for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll see the magic happen as the sauce envelops the veggies and beef, creating a delightful medley.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. It’s time to serve! I often like to pair this with rice or quinoa, but it stands tall on its own.
Recipe Notes
- Avocado Oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor. You can also use olive oil, but be careful not to overheat it.
- Shaved Beef: Trader Joe’s shaved beef is versatile. It’s thinly sliced, so it cooks quickly. If you cannot find it, flank steak or sirloin can work, too; just slice it thinly against the grain.
- Tapioca Flour: This acts as a binding agent for the beef. If you do not have it, cornstarch works just as well.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh is preferred, but frozen can be used in a pinch. Just thaw before using.
- Bell Pepper: This adds more than color; it brings sweetness to the dish. Feel free to swap it for other veggies like snap peas or carrots.
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and a nutty flavor. If you don’t have them, sunflower seeds can be a nice substitute.
Recipe Variations
- Add Heat: If you like some spice, throw in red pepper flakes or Sriracha into the stir-fry sauce.
- Substitution: Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each option offers a different flair.
- More Veggies: Consider adding snap peas, bok choy, or mushrooms for more variety and nutrition.
- Grain Storage: Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Herbs and Citrus: Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten the dish, giving it that fresh zing.
Trader Joe’s Shaved Beef Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil plus more as needed
- 1 pound thinly sliced beef
- 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
- 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced (adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color)
- 2 green onions sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos or Tamari/soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- Before we fire up the stove, I like to gather all my ingredients. Chop the broccoli and bell pepper, slice the green onions, and prepare the sauce. Organization is key here, almost like laying out your tools before a big project.
- In a bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, coconut sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This sauce packs a flavor punch. As I mix, the scents wafting into the air get me excited for what’s coming next. Set the sauce aside.
- Sprinkle the tapioca flour over the shaved beef and toss well. This step helps create a lovely crust when we cook the beef, enriching the dish with flavor. I always feel empowered when I take this extra step.
- In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but don’t let that oil smoke like it’s trying to flee.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef to the pan. Don’t crowd the pan. There’s a fine line between searing and steaming, and we want flavor, not mush. Cook until it’s browned, about 3–4 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, toss in the broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 4 minutes until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp. While cooking, remember to keep things moving. Here’s where it gets colorful!
- Return the beef to the pan, then pour in your stir-fry sauce. Allow the whole thing to bubble away for another 2–3 minutes. You’ll see the magic happen as the sauce envelops the veggies and beef, creating a delightful medley.
- Sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. It’s time to serve! I often like to pair this with rice or quinoa, but it stands tall on its own.
Notes
- Avocado Oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and mild flavor. You can also use olive oil, but be careful not to overheat it.
- Shaved Beef: Trader Joe’s shaved beef is versatile. It’s thinly sliced, so it cooks quickly. If you cannot find it, flank steak or sirloin can work, too; just slice it thinly against the grain.
- Tapioca Flour: This acts as a binding agent for the beef. If you do not have it, cornstarch works just as well.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh is preferred, but frozen can be used in a pinch. Just thaw before using.
- Bell Pepper: This adds more than color; it brings sweetness to the dish. Feel free to swap it for other veggies like snap peas or carrots.
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and a nutty flavor. If you don’t have them, sunflower seeds can be a nice substitute.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s shaved beef offers a canvas for creativity in the kitchen. From vibrant stir-fries to cozy bowls, it makes weeknight meals a breeze. With its quick cooking time and versatile flavor, it becomes a staple in my home.
So next time you find yourself in the aisle, don’t hesitate to grab a package. Dive into this delicious adventure with the assurance that you’re feeding yourself and your loved ones something nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy the experience, and remember: cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination!
