Pebble Beef Fillet

Pebble Beef Fillet

　　 Beef fillet refers to the tenderloin of beef, a delicious ingredient. It is named for being cooked using pebbles from the Gobi Desert riverbeds.

　　 Pebble Beef Fillet is a unique specialty dish of Dunhuang. As Dunhuang is located deep inland, shielded by high mountains and far from moist maritime air, it has an extremely arid continental climate. The uniqueness of this pebble-fried meat dish is that the supporting ingredient — the cobblestones — are sun-heated to fully activate the minerals within them. The main ingredient, beef tenderloin, is rich in high-quality protein and vitamins essential for human growth and development. The meat is tender, smooth, and delicious, easy to digest, leaving a memorable aftertaste.

　　 Cooking Method: Stone Cooking

　　 Flavor Profile: Salty and Savory

　　 Main Ingredient: 400g local yellow beef tenderloin

　　 Side Ingredients: 100g onion, 80g green and red bell peppers, cobblestones

　　 Seasonings: 2g salt, 3g MSG, 5g sugar, 3g chicken essence, 10g oyster sauce, 8g dark soy sauce, 1 egg, 3g cooking wine, 10g scallions, 10g minced garlic, 10g water, 10g oil

　　 Preparation Process:

　　 1. First, slice the beef tenderloin thinly, julienne the onion, wash the cobblestones, and heat them in a wok with oil.

　　 2. Place the beef slices in a bowl, add cooking wine, egg, and water to keep the meat tender. Then add salt, MSG, sugar, chicken essence, scallions, ginger, minced garlic, and stir. Next, add dark soy sauce and oyster sauce.

　　 3. Spread the sliced onions on a non-stick pan, then layer the seasoned beef slices on top. Pour in the heated stones into the pan with the beef, and continuously stir with a small wooden spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes until done, then serve immediately.

　　 Flavor Characteristics:

　　 1. Tender and savory meat, bright red color, aromatic with onion and oyster sauce flavors, and fresh texture.

　　 2. Appearance: Main ingredient is in slices, side ingredients are slightly shrunken.

　　 Key Techniques:

　　 1. When marinating the meat, accurately control the ratio of water to egg.

　　 2. The cobblestones must be very hot before frying the meat.

　　 3. The beef fillet must be fresh. Remove sinews when selecting the meat, and slice it against the grain.

　　 4. Continuously stir after pouring in the heated stones.