Recipe: Holiday Inn China Beef with Black Pepper

HOLIDAY INN CHINA BEEF WITH BLACK PEPPER

8 ounces beef fillet, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
Oil (for deep frying)
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons coarsely-crushed black peppercorns
1 teaspoon crushed Sichuan peppercorns or sansho
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoons light soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sliced lettuce (for garnish)

Put beef in a bowl and sprinkle with wine, 1 tablespoon water, salt, and white pepper. Massage well for about 30 seconds until all the liquid is absorbed by the beef.

Heat oil and deep-fry the beef over very high heat for 30 seconds. Drain and set aside.

Tip out all but 1 teaspoon of oil and stir-fly the garlic for a few seconds, then add the beef and all other ingredients, except for the lettuce. Stir-fry for a few seconds until well mixed and serve immediately on a bed of shredded lettuce.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Comments: Simple and quick to prepare, this Sichuan dish tastes like a flavor-enhanced version of Western black pepper steak, with Sichuan peppercorns adding a distinctive difference.

Makes 4 servings
Source: The Food of China by the Chefs of Holiday Inn China