Deh-Ta Hsiung (Stir-fried Beef with Oyster Sauce)

[Quick Facts]
Main Ingredients: Beef, Mushrooms, Ginger, Snow Peas, Soy Sauce
Time Required: 1.0 hour
Serves: 2

Ingredients:

4 ounces (approx 113 grams) topped and tailed Snow Peas

1/2 thinly sliced small Carrot

1/2 teaspoon salt

A few small bits of fresh Ginger root

1 spring Onion cut into short sections

1/2 teaspoon soft brown sugar

2 tablespoons Oyster sauce

10 ounces (approx 283 grams) beef steak for example topside rump

4 small dried Chinese mushrooms soaked in water

About 1 pint (approx 473 ml or 2 cups) seasoned oil* (see below)

For the marinade:

1/2 teaspoon baking powder or bicarbonate of soda

2 teaspoons thick cornstarch (cornflour) paste – (1 part cornflour with 1.25 parts cold water)

1/2 teaspoon soft brown sugar

1 tablespoon dark or light soy sauce

1 tablespoon Oil

Instructions:

(1) Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices about 2 inches long.

(2) Marinate in the marinade for several hours; overnight if possible.

(3) Press dry the mushrooms and dispose any hard stalks.

(4) Heat the oil in a preheated Wok until medium hot (300-325 degrees F).

(5) Blanch the beef for about 45-55 seconds. Stir to separate the slices and then remove as soon as the color changes.

(6) Drain. Pour off the excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the Wok.

(7) Stir-fry the vegetables for 1 minute. Add the salt and sugar, continue stirring for another minute.

(8) Add the beef and the oyster sauce, blend well and serve hot.

*How to season vegetable oil:

(1) Pour about 1 pint (473 ml) vegetable oil into a pre-heated saucepan or Wok over high heat.

(2) Add 2-3 small pieces of Ginger root.

(3) The Ginger pieces should rise to the surface in a few minutes.

(4) Watch the color of the Ginger now. When it turns from pale yellow to dark brown, turn off the heat and let the oil cool down a little before removing the ginger pieces.

(5) You have seasoned oil now, store it in a container.