Stir-fried Green Beans with Beef

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons water
• cooking oil
• 8 oz beef, thinly sliced against the grain ((preferably flank steak))
• 1½ tablespoons minced garlic, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon cornstarch
• 10.5 oz green beans, sliced in half on a sharp diagonal
• half a medium carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1½ teaspoons oyster sauce
• ¼ teaspoon fish sauce ((or soy sauce, to taste))

Steps

1. 1

   Place beef slices in a mixing bowl, then add half of the minced garlic, half of the salt, some black pepper, cornstarch and water. Toss well, then add 1 teaspoon cooking oil and give everything another toss. Set aside to marinate while preparing other ingredients.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the sliced green beans and julienned carrots. Blanch for a couple of minutes, then give them a quick rinse under cold water. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom and then add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the blanched vegetables to the skillet. Stir, then add the remaining salt and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are crisp-tender or slightly past that stage. Increase the heat if needed. Transfer to a plate.

5. 5

   Maintain the skillet at medium-high heat and add the beef slices in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed briefly, then add the oyster sauce. Stir and cook until the beef is still slightly pink, up to a minute.

6. 6

   Return the vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry until the flavors meld and the beef is cooked through. Add the fish sauce and give everything a final toss. Adjust seasonings to taste.

7. 7

   Transfer the stir-fried green beans and beef to a serving plate. Sprinkle more black pepper and enjoy.