ZUCCHINI STIR-FRIED WITH BEEF

4 small zucchini, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
3/4 teaspoon salt
FOR MARINATING BEEF:
4 ounces ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons Japanese dark soy sauce
1 scallion, cut very fine rounds all the way up to its green section
1 tablespoon toasted, lightly-crushed sesame seeds
freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon sesame oil
YOU ALSO NEED:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Japanese dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 scallions, cut very fine rounds all the way up to their green sections
1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled, grated fine
2 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped fine
1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder, (cayenne pepper)
2 teaspoons toasted, lightly-crushed sesame seeds

Put the zucchini in a bowl. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and rub it in. Set aside for 2 hours.

Drain and pat the slices dry.

Mix the beef with all the other ingredients in the marinade. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, put in the meat. Stir and fry for 1 minute or until the meat changes color, breaking up all lumps as you do so.

Put in the zucchini and stir gently. Put in the soy sauce, sugar, scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili powder. Stir gently and cook for about 2 minutes.

Turn down the heat and stir-fry gently for another minute or so or until the zucchini is crisp-tender.

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top just before serving.

Note from source: A simple but delicious dish that can also be served with Chinese and Malaysian meals.

Servings: 4
Source: Madhur Jaffrey's a Taste of the Far East by Madhur Jaffrey