Peppery Beef and Shishito Stir-Fry
This stir-fry is doubly peppery, thanks to a combination of shishito peppers and plenty of coarsely ground black pepper. Though most of the shishitos are mild, the occasional one packs a punch, adding a delightful unpredictability to any meal. The peppers are fried on high heat until they blister, bringing smoky depth and texture. Soy sauce and toasted sesame oil make a fine (and quick!) marinade for steak strips that are seared in the same wok. Ginger and garlic enhance an umami-rich sauce that makes the steak and peppers shine. Serve with white rice for a formidable weeknight meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4cup plus 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 1tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1pound sirloin or other steak, sliced into 1-inch-wide strips
- 2tablespoons vegetable or other neutral oil, plus more as needed
- 12 to 14shishito peppers (about 4 ounces), stems removed
- 1tablespoon garlic paste or freshly grated garlic
- 1tablespoon ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
- 2teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper, plus more for serving if desired
- Salt
- 2tablespoons rice vinegar
- White rice, for serving
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch, 4 teaspoons of the soy sauce and all the sesame oil until smooth. Add the steak strips and mix until thoroughly coated.
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, stir the remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1/3 cup cool water; set aside.
In a 10-inch wok or wide pot, heat the vegetable oil on high until hot, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the shishito peppers and cook, stirring, until they start to blister. Transfer peppers to a plate and set aside.
Working in batches and adding more oil if necessary between batches, add the steak strips to the wok in a single layer and cook, undisturbed, until the strips start to develop a char, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to the plate with the peppers.
Add the garlic and ginger to the wok and adjust heat to medium. Cook for 30 seconds, until the smell of raw garlic and ginger dissipates. Add the black pepper and season with about ½ teaspoon salt. Return the steak and peppers to the wok.
Stir in the vinegar and remaining 1/4 cup soy sauce, then the cornstarch mixture, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce looks shiny and sticks to the back of a spoon. Taste the dish and season with more salt and pepper, if you like. Serve with rice.
Nutrition
- Info
- Trans Fat: 0 gramsFat: 27 gramsCalories: 468Saturated Fat: 8 gramsUnsaturated Fat: 17 gramsSodium: 796 milligramsSugar: 1 gramFiber: 1 gramCarbohydrate: 28 gramsProtein: 27 grams