SICHUAN BEEF BUNDLES

2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp hot bean sauce*
1 Tbsp red New Mexican chile, crushed
2 tsp fresh ginger; minced
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp rice wine or dry sherry
1 lb beef sirloin, cut in 1-inch strips
4 large carrots, cut in 3-inch strips
4 celery stalks, cut in 3-inch strips
1/2 lb green beans, cut in 3-inch pieces
2 tbsp sesame seeds

TO MARINADE THE BEEF:
Combine the soy sauce, hot bean sauce, chile, ginger, sugar, and sherry. Marinate the meat for four hours in the mixture.

TO PREPARE AND COOK THE BUNDLES:
Cook the vegetables in boiling salted water until tender but still slightly crispy. Drain.

Combine a couple of carrot, celery, and green bean pieces together and wrap with a piece of the meat. Thread the meat bundles and on two parallel skewers.

Pour the marinade into a small saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Grill until the meat is medium rare, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.

Brush the meat with the marinade, garnish with the sesame seeds and serve.

*Hot Bean Sauce is available in Asian markets.

Servings: 4
Source: William Hall