Umami Marinated Steak and Green Beans with Almonds

January 31st is Chinese New Year and to celebrate I have teamed up with Blue Dragon Canada to bring you a delicious and easy weeknight meal inspired by the flavors of the east

In the Chinese Horoscope, 2014 is the year of the Horse.  It is said that those born in Horse years are successful, quick to love, and good with their hands.  The Chinese Zodiac is actually quite interesting, and you can read more about it here.  Apparently our little family consists of a snake, a rabbit, a cow, a rat and a pig, which explains why it constantly feels like a zoo!


I love Chinese food, but its always so intricate, with so many steps, that I feel a little intimidated by it.  That's why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador for Blue Dragon, who promise to Make the East Easy.
When I first opened up the package they sent, I was so overwhelmed with the choices, there was so much yuuminess to play with, I didn't even know where to start!
I decided to go with two of my favorite Asian dishes; Fried Green Beans with Almonds, and an Umami Marinated Steak.  I really like this meal because what little prep work there is, can be done the night before, and this becomes a great weeknight meal that can be on the table in less than twenty minutes.

Fried Green Beans



Ingredients

1 lb green beans
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Blue Dragon sesame oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 Tbsp almonds

Directions

Combine soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic powder in a small bowl, mix thoroughly and pour into a wok over medium high heat.  Once bubbling add green beans and stir until beans are all coated.  Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender.  Add in almonds and stir fry for additional 30 seconds.  remove to plate and serve immediately.


Umami Marinated Steak



Ingredients

1-1 1/2 lbs flank steak
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 tbsp honey
4 garlic cloves (diced)
1 Tbsp Blue Dragon Hoisin Sauce
1 Tbsp Blue Dragon Oyster Sauce
1 1/2 Tbsp Blue Dragon Sesame Oil

Combine all ingredients other than the steak in a medium bowl and whisk together. Place steak in a large zipper bag and pour mixture over top.  Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours,(up to 24 hours).
Remove steak from bag and discard remaining marinade.  Set oven to broil.
Broil steak for four minutes per side.
Remove from oven and let stand for five minutes. Slice into strips against the grain and serve.

I'd love to hear from you, whats your favorite Chinese meal?

Disclosure: I am part of the Blue Dragon Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. All opinions are my own.

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