SPICY BEEF WITH PEPPERS

Spicy Beef with Peppers image

Provided by Grace Young

Yield Makes 2 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 (1/2-lb) piece flank steak, well trimmed
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled garlic (use a rasp grater)
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (use a rasp grater)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
5 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 to 3 teaspoons chile garlic sauce, such as Vietnamese Tuong Ot Toi
1 large red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (1 1/2 cups)
2 scallions, halved lengthwise and cut into 1-inch pieces (1/2 cup)
Accompaniment: steamed white rice
Special Equipment
a rasp grater; a well-seasoned 14-inch flat-bottomed wok

Steps:

Cut steak with grain into 1 1/2- to 2-inch-wide strips. Cut each strip across grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Put slices into a medium bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, garlic, ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt, sugar, and 1 teaspoon oil and stir with a fork. 3Stir together ketchup, hoisin, and chile garlic sauce in a small bowl.
Heat wok over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Pour 2 teaspoons oil down side of wok, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat sides. Add beef, spreading pieces in 1 layer on bottom and sides as quickly as possible. Cook, undisturbed, letting beef begin to brown, 1 minute, then stir-fry until meat is just browned on all sides but still pink in center, about 1 minute. Transfer meat and any juices to a plate.
Pour remaining 2 teaspoons oil down side of unwashed wok over high heat, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat sides. Add bell pepper, scallions, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir-fry 30 seconds, then add reserved beef with any juices and ketchup mixture. Stir-fry until combined well and sauce thickens slightly, about 30 seconds, then transfer to a platter.