Fermented black beans lend a savory flavor to this recipe, while chile paste adds extra bite. Serves 3 to 4.
At a Glance
Course : Entree
Type of Prep : Stir-Fry
Cuisine : Asian, Chinese
Occasion : Family Dinner
INGREDIENTS:
3/4 pound beef
Marinade:
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon wine
1 teaspoon cornstarch
dash of pepper
Sauce:
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
Other:
1 tablespoon fermented black beans
2 garlic cloves
2 stalks celery
1 green onion (spring onion, scallion)
2 large carrots
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
5 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
PREPARATION:
Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last. Marinate beef for twenty minutes. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Set aside.
Cut the beef into bite-sized chunks. Add the marinade ingredients, adding the cornstarch last. Marinate beef for twenty minutes. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Set aside.
While marinating beef, prepare the sauce and vegetables. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth and chile paste. Rinse the black beans and let sit for a few minutes to soften. Use a cleaver or knife to chop finely. Mince the garlic and mash with the black beans.
String the celery and peel the carrots. Cut on the diagonal into thin slices. Cut the green onion into thirds.
Heat wok and add 2 tablespoons of oil. When oil is ready, add the green onion. Stir-fry briefly, then add the carrot and celery. Stir-fry until tender and crisp. Remove vegetables from the wok and set aside.
Reheat the wok and add 3 tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot, add the mashed garlic and black beans. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add the marinated beef. Stir-fry until there is no redness in the beef.
Give the sauce mixture a quick stir and add in the middle of the wok, stirring quickly to thicken. When the sauce is boiling add the cooked vegetables. Mix well. Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. Serve hot.
