From Chocolate Dreams to Dinner Delights: My Savory Hershey’s Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
My recent journey to The Hershey Company was an absolute dream for any chocolate lover, and today marks the bittersweet end of that incredible experience. While I am incredibly eager to return home to my loved ones, Todd and Fuzz, I’ll deeply miss the constant aroma of chocolate and the sheer bliss that enveloped me during my stay. I truly hope to revisit Hershey, Pennsylvania, with my family in the very near future to share this magical place with them. Can I adequately express the sheer excitement that surged through me when I first learned about this trip? I was positively thrilled, immediately envisioning all the creative ways I could incorporate Hershey’s iconic products into my daily life, even daring to weave them into dinner recipes!
The inspiration for today’s recipe struck me during my visit. Hershey’s isn’t just about sweet treats; it’s about the deep, complex flavor of cocoa itself. This realization sparked an idea: why not explore the savory potential of cocoa? This thought led to one of the most remarkably satisfying dishes I’ve created: a Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry that truly surprised and delighted everyone who tasted it. It proved to be a savory, vibrant, and all-around fantastic meal, offering a unique twist on a classic stir-fry. While the original recipe that sparked my creativity didn’t call for it, I did make one small, yet impactful, modification: I stirred in about two teaspoons of sugar at the end. I highly recommend tasting the dish before deciding if you want to add it, but I found that the sugar subtly enhanced and lifted the rich, complex flavors of the cocoa and beef, creating a perfectly balanced profile. This addition isn’t strictly necessary, but it certainly elevates the dish to another level of deliciousness, transforming it into a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
The concept of incorporating cocoa into savory dishes might seem unconventional at first glance, but it’s a time-honored tradition in various cuisines around the world. Think of mole sauces in Mexican cooking or certain rich stews where a touch of unsweetened cocoa adds depth, color, and a layer of umami that’s hard to achieve otherwise. Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder, known for its high quality and robust flavor, is perfectly suited for this role. It doesn’t make the dish taste like chocolate candy; rather, it contributes an earthy, slightly bitter, and deeply aromatic note that complements the richness of beef and the freshness of vegetables beautifully. This stir-fry is a testament to cocoa’s versatility, moving it beyond desserts and into the realm of exciting main courses. It’s a wonderful way to impress guests with something unexpected, or simply to treat your family to a meal that’s both comforting and adventurous.
Recipe
Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients is the first step to creating a truly delicious stir-fry. For this Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry, each component plays a vital role in building its unique flavor profile. The star, Hershey’s cocoa, will add a depth you won’t expect, while fresh vegetables ensure a vibrant and nutritious meal.
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons HERSHEY’S Cocoa (unsweetened for savory depth)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic about 4 cloves, freshly minced for best flavor
- 1-½ teaspoons ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger for a brighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 pound boneless top round or flank beef steak (thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided, for high-heat cooking
- 1-½ cups large onion pieces (cut into wedges)
- 1 cup carrot slices (diagonally sliced for visual appeal and quick cooking)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets and pieces
- 1-½ cups sweet red pepper slices (for color and sweetness)
- Optional: 2 teaspoons sugar (to balance flavors, taste and adjust at the end)
Instructions
Preparing this Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and rewarding process, perfect for a busy weeknight. The key to a successful stir-fry is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the actual cooking time is very short. Follow these steps for a delicious and memorable meal.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, HERSHEY’S cocoa, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. This creates your savory, chocolate-infused sauce. Set this mixture aside. Next, prepare your beef: cut the boneless top round or flank steak into uniform ¼-inch wide strips. Cutting against the grain will ensure the beef remains tender after cooking.
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Heat a large skillet or a wok over high heat for approximately 1 minute, or until it’s very hot and a slight wisp of smoke appears. This high heat is crucial for a proper stir-fry. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into the hot pan and let it heat for about 30 seconds. Add the beef strips to the pan in a single layer if possible, avoiding overcrowding. Stir-fry the beef until it is nicely browned on all sides, usually just a few minutes. Overcooking will make the beef tough, so cook it quickly. Once browned, remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
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Return the pan to high heat. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the pan. Add the large onion pieces and carrot slices. Stir-fry these vegetables for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become crisp-tender, but still retains some bite. Next, add the fresh broccoli florets and pieces along with the sweet red pepper slices. Continue to stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until all the vegetables are crisp-tender and brightly colored. The goal is to cook them just enough to be tender but still have a slight crunch.
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Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the browned beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give your reserved broth mixture a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the pan. Cook and stir continuously over high heat. The sauce will rapidly come to a boil and begin to thicken as the cornstarch activates. Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats all the ingredients beautifully. At this point, taste the sauce. If you prefer a slightly sweeter note, stir in the optional 2 teaspoons of sugar. Serve your hot Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry immediately over steamed rice, garnished with additional soy sauce and crunchy cashew pieces, if desired. This recipe generously serves 4 to 6 people.
Tips for the Perfect Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry
To ensure your Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:
- Mise en Place is Key: “Mise en place” means “everything in its place.” Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process, and you won’t have time to chop vegetables once the heat is on.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: A wok or large skillet should be searing hot before adding oil and ingredients. This high heat quickly sears the beef and flash-cooks the vegetables, retaining their crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and doesn’t steam. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and results in grey, rather than beautifully seared, meat.
- Cut Uniformly: Slice your beef and vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Thin strips of beef and uniformly cut vegetables will cook quickly and consistently.
- Fresh vs. Ground Ginger: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger will give a brighter, more pungent flavor. If you have it on hand, consider using about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger instead of 1.5 teaspoons of ground.
- Adjust Spice: The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which gives a mild to medium heat. Feel free to adjust this up or down based on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: While hot rice is a classic accompaniment, this stir-fry also pairs wonderfully with quinoa, brown rice, or even noodles. For an extra crunch and healthy fats, don’t skip the cashew pieces!
Customizing Your Stir-Fry
One of the best things about stir-fries is their versatility. Don’t hesitate to adapt this Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry to your liking:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add other stir-fry friendly vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bell peppers of different colors. Just be mindful of their cooking times – add harder vegetables first.
- Protein Alternatives: While beef is fantastic, you could also try this recipe with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, pork loin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Sweeter or Spicier: If you enjoy a stronger sweet-and-savory contrast, you can add an extra teaspoon of sugar. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Garnish Options: Besides cashews, consider topping your stir-fry with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
My visit to The Hershey Company was more than just a trip; it was a journey of culinary discovery that opened my eyes to the incredible versatility of cocoa. It inspired me to think outside the box, transforming a beloved sweet ingredient into a savory sensation that truly elevates a simple beef stir-fry. This Cocoa Beef Stir-Fry recipe is a delicious reminder that culinary creativity knows no bounds, especially when armed with high-quality ingredients like Hershey’s cocoa. I encourage you to try this unique dish and experience the delightful complexity it brings to your dinner table. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of that Hershey magic into your home, creating both a memorable meal and perhaps a new family favorite. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Hershey, and to the next wave of delicious inspirations it will surely bring!