Beef san choy bau

Fresh, flavour-packed hoisin beef served in crisp cos lettuce cups. A quick, light dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

At a glance

25 minutes
4

Ingredients

  • 600g lean beef mince
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, plus extra to serve
  • ½ red capsicum, finely diced
  • ½ yellow capsicum, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded
  • 200g shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • ½ small tin (225g) water chestnuts, finely diced
  • ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp water
  • ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped, plus extra sprigs to serve
  • ½ cup bean sprouts
  • 2 baby cos lettuce, leaves separated and washed

Method

  1. Heat half the oil in a large wok or heavy frying pan over high heat. Add half the beef and cook for 1–2 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until just browned. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with remaining oil and beef.
  2. Return the wok to high heat. Add the green onions, capsicum, carrot, mushrooms and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until just tender but still vibrant.
  3. Return the beef to the pan. Add hoisin sauce and water, tossing well to coat. Cook for a further minute until glossy and heated through. Remove from heat and fold through coriander and bean sprouts.
  4. Arrange lettuce leaves on a large serving platter. Spoon the beef mixture into each leaf and finish with extra green onions, coriander, peanuts and chilli if using. Serve with fresh lime wedges.

Original recipe – Australian Beef