Hot and Spicy Onion Beef

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
3 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
3/4 lb. flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili paste, optional
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 large (12 to 14 oz.) onion, sliced vertically
dried whole red chili pepper to taste
1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in medium bowl. Add beef; stir to coat. Let stand 30 minutes. Combine remaining soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil and chili paste in a small bowl; set aside. Heat wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add vegetable oil, swirling to coat sides. Add garlic, onion and chili peppers; cook and stir until onions are tender. Add beef; stir-fry 2 minutes or until barely pink. Add sauce and mix well. Mix remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch with water and onion mixture; cook and stir until sauce boils and thickens.