Cola-Marinated Beef

A trip to a local breakfast diner inspired me to make this dish. I ordered their Sirloin Tips and Eggs and it was delicious! There was a certain sweet undertone that I couldn't quite figure out so I brazenly asked the server what the ingredients of the dish were (yeah, I was THAT interested). The (not so) secret ingredient was cola - he said that the meat was marinated in it. Of course, the little light bulb in my head went off, and as we headed out of the diner, I was already thinking of how I could re-create that dish. 

I scoured the web for many recipes (I even looked at the Top Secret Restaurant Recipes cookbook) and tried to imagine a hundred different combinations. I ended up with this, and though it didn't taste exactly like what I had in the diner, hubby and I still enjoyed it nonetheless. I have to say, though, it was better as a left-over as the flavors had more time to infuse and really make this dish so yummy.


What you need:

1/2 pound top round steak
8 cloves of garlic (crushed), divided
1/2 Vidalia onion, sliced
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 can soda (I used Coca-Cola)


What to do:

Slice beef in thin strips. In a bowl, combine beef strips, soda, and 3 cloves of garlic. Seal tightly with plastic wrap and marinate overnight in the fridge.

Place a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Saute the remaining garlic and onion for about a minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Put in the marinated beef and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Season with oyster sauce and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until beef is tender. Serve with fried eggs.


Tips, Tricks and Tweaks: 

1. It does not have to be top round steak - use any cut if beef! Just make sure it is tender.
2. If the taste of soda is too strong for you, add about 1/4 cup beef broth or water.
3. Serve with noodles! Yummy!
4. No need to save the marinade - if done correctly, the beef will be juicy when you cook it!