Hēi Jiāo Niú Liǔ Black Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Yield: Serves 2-4

Ingredients: 1 lb Beef Flank Steak (Jīxiōng Ròu) 4 cloves Fresh Garlic (Dàsuàn) - minced ¼ inch piece Fresh Ginger (Jiāng) - minced 2 Bell Peppers (Dēnglóng Jiāo) mixed colors - cored and sliced into 'ribbons' 1 Small Red Onion (Hóng Cōngtóu) - halved and sliced 2 Tbs Peanut Oil (Huāshēngyóu) 1 ½ Tbs Oyster Sauce (Háoyóu) 1 Tbs Shao Xing Rice Wine (Liàojiǔ) 1 Tbs Light Soy Sauce (Shēng Chōu) 1 Tbs Cornstarch (Yùnmǐ Diànfě) 3-4 tsp Coarse Ground Black Pepper (Hēi Hú Jiāo) - divided 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (Táng) 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil (Zhīmayóu)

Preparation: 1) Cut your flank steak into thin strips (apx 2-3 inches long by ¼ inch thick) 2) In a medium bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, Shao xing rice wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, 1 tsp of the black pepper, and sugar until well incorporated and the sugar has completely dissolved - Add the beef 'ribbons' and toss to combine making sure the beef is well coated - Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (up to 12 hours in refrigerator) 3) Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering - Stir the toasted sesame oil into the beef and its marinade until thoroughly combined - Add the beef and its marinade to the wok and stir fry until the beef is just browned (apx 1 minute) 4) Using a slotted spoon or spider, transfer the seared beef to a clean plate or bowl and set aside until needed 5) Return the wok/skillet to the heat (medium-high) and add the garlic and ginger - Stir fry until very fragrant (apx 30 seconds) - Add the bell pepper and continue to stir fry for 1 minute 6) Add the onion and continue to stir fry until onion is just tender (apx 1-2 minutes) 7) Add the beef and all of its juices and thoroughly combine - Add the remaining black pepper and thoroughly combine 8) Remove from heat - Serve immediately over steamed rice or cooked noodles along with a sunny- side-up egg on top if desired

Taz Doolittle www.TazCooks.com