Stir-Fried Beef with Onions and Ginger

Onions, beef, and ginger are an almost holy combination; the synthesis is simply delicious. Other cuts and meats you can use: pork, preferably from the shoulder or leg (fresh ham); lamb, preferably from the shoulder or leg; boneless chicken; shrimp.

3/4 to 1 pound flank or sirloin steak or other tender beef cut

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons peanut or neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn

2 large or 3 medium onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced or grated fresh ginger

1/2 cup beef or chicken stock (to make your own chicken stock
) or water

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or soy sauce

• Slice the beef as thinly as you can, across the grain. It’s easier if you freeze it for 15 to 30 minutes first. Cut the slices into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over high heat until it smokes, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the onions. Stir immediately, then stir every 30 seconds or so until the onions soften and begin to char slightly, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the onions with salt and pepper, then remove them; keep the heat high.
• Add the remaining oil to the pan, then the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the ginger; stir and immediately add the beef. Stir immediately, then stir every 20 seconds or so until it loses its color, just a minute or two longer; stir in the onions. Add the stock, hoisin, and remaining tea- spoon of ginger; let some of the liquid bubble away and serve immediately, over rice.

Stir-Fried Beef with Tomatoes and Black Beans.
• In Step 1, soak the sliced meat in 2 tablespoons soy sauce while you get everything else ready. At the same time, soak 1 tablespoon fermented black beans in 2 tablespoons dry sherry (or use stock, white wine, or water). In
• Step 3, add 3 or 4 scallions, including some of the green parts, cut into 1-inch lengths, along with the garlic and ginger. Add the beef and soy sauce, cook for 1 minute, then add 3 medium tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped (peel and seed the tomatoes if you like), the black beans and their liquid, and the onions. Omit the stock and hoisin sauce. Stir, taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately, over rice.
  Sesame Stir-Fried Beef.
  • Omit the stock and hoisin sauce. Marinate the beef in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Substitute dark sesame oil for the peanut oil. In Step 3, increase the garlic to a tablespoon. Cook the dish until the liquid is evaporated, garnish with chopped scallions and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds , and serve immediately.
• MAKES: 4 servings
• TIME: 30 minutes, plus time to freeze the beef