※ Spicy Beef Stir-Fry

I felt like something super spicy, so before serving i sprinkled with dried chill flakes.

INGREDIENTS

* 1/2 to 1 lb. (0.45 kg) beef steak or other cuts

* 1 red pepper, sliced into thin strips
* 1 green pepper, sliced into thin strips

* 1 shallot OR 1/4 cup purple onion, finely chopped

* 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

* 2 thumb-size pieces ginger, thinly sliced into matchstick-like pieces

* 3 Tbsp. sherry (or cooking sherry), or red wine

* 1 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tbsp. cool water

* 1 tsp. sesame oil

* 2-3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

MARINADE:

* 3 Tbsp. soy sauce

* 1 tsp. brown sugar

* 1 tsp. cornstarch

STIR-FRY SAUCE:

* 1/2 cup good quality chicken stock

* 3 Tbsp. oyster-flavored sauce

* 1 Tbsp. fish sauce

* 1 to 2 tsp. brown sugar, to taste

* 1-2 red chilies, minced, OR 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chili (chili flakes), to taste

METHOD

1. Cut steak on the bias (on an angle) into thin 2-3 inch long strips and place in a bowl. Combine marinade ingredients in a cup, stirring well to dissolve the cornstarch. Pour this over the beef and toss. Set aside.

2. In a cup or small bowl, combine the stir-fry sauce ingredients together, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Set aside.

3. Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl around, then add the shallot/onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry 1 minute to release the fragrance.

4. Add the beef together with its marinade. Stir-fry until browned, 4-5 minutes. Add the sherry as you stir-fry to keep pan moist.

5. Add pepper plus stir-fry sauce. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened but still retain some crunch.

6. Stir together the cornstarch and water mixture. Push ingredients aside in the wok to reveal the stir-fry sauce. Add the cornstarch-water mixture and stir to thicken the sauce. Then stir-fry everything together.

7. Switch off heat and drizzle over the sesame oil. Taste-test the dish. If not salty or flavorful enough, add more fish sauce until desired taste is achieved. If too salty for your taste, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. If not sweet enough, add a little more sugar. Add more chili for more heat. Serve with plenty of Thai jasmine rice. Thai chili sauce can also be served on the side for those who like it extra spicy. ENJOY!