Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bunch of green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of snow peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the beef is coated with the marinade. Set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
3. Add the marinated beef mixture to the pan and stir-fry until it's nicely browned, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. In the same pan, add the chopped green onions, bell pepper, minced garlic, and snow peas. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables until they reach a crisp-tender state, which should take around 3-5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked beef to the pan, combining it with the stir-fried vegetables. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve your delightful beef and vegetable stir-fry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal if desired.

One intriguing aspect of this Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe, and stir-fry cooking in general, is its historical and cultural significance. Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China over two thousand years ago. It was initially developed as a way to quickly cook food over high heat, preserving its flavor, color, and nutritional value.