Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh thin Chinese egg noodles (also called Hong Kong noodles; not wonton noodles)
• 1 (1/2 lb.) piece flank steak
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 3 scallions, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
• 5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps quartered (2 1/2 cups)
• 6 oz choy sum, cut into 2 1/2-inch pieces (2 1/2 cups) or 1-inch-wide broccoli florets

Preparation

Bring 8 cups unsalted water to a boil in a 6- to 8-quart pot, then add noodles, stirring to separate, and cook 15 seconds. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until noodles are cool, then shake colander briskly to drain excess water.

Cut steak with the grain into 1 1/2- to 2-inch-wide strips. Cut each strip across the grain into 1/4-inch-thick slices and put in a medium bowl. Using your hands, toss beef with sugar, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let beef marinate at room temperature while preparing remaining ingredients.

Stir together remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a small bowl until smooth, then stir in chicken broth.

Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within 1 to 2 seconds of contact, then add 1/2 cup peanut oil and heat until just smoking. Carefully add noodles all at once, flattening top to form a 9-inch cake. Cook until underside is golden, 4 to 5 minutes, rotating noodle cake with a metal spatula to brown evenly and lifting edges occasionally to check color. Carefully flip noodle cake over with spatula and tongs, then cook, rotating cake, until other side is golden, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer noodle cake to a large paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Discard any oil remaining in wok and wipe out wok with paper towels.

Transfer drained noodle cake to a platter and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Pour 1 tablespoon peanut oil down side of wok, then swirl oil, tilting wok to coat sides. Add beef, spreading pieces in 1 layer on bottom and sides as quickly as possible. Cook, undisturbed, letting beef begin to brown, 1 minute, then stir-fry until meat is just browned on all sides but still pink in center, about 1 minute. Transfer meat and any juices to a plate.

Add 1 tablespoon oil to wok over high heat. When oil just begins to smoke, add ginger and garlic and stir-fry 5 seconds, then add scallions and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes. Add choy sum and stir-fry until leaves are bright green and just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes (if using broccoli, cook until almost crisp-tender). Stir broth mixture, then pour into wok and stir-fry until sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add beef and stir to coat. Return mixture just to a boil, then pour over noodle cake.

Serves 4

Gourmet, September 2005

Ingredients

For the flavor base:

• 15 dried japones chiles or 10 dried chiles de árbol or 3 Tbs. sambal oelek
• 1-1/2 cups sliced shallots (from 4 large shallots)
• 2 Tbs. sliced garlic
• 1 Tbs. sliced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh or frozen and thawed galangal (optional)

For the whole spice blend:

• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole green cardamom pods
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 3-inch-long cinnamon stick, snapped in half

For the ground spice blend:

• 2 tsp. ground coriander
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 2 tsp. ground fennel seeds
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the rendang:

• 3/4 cup canola or vegetable oil; more as needed
• 2 lb. boneless top blade beef chuck (or bottom or top round, flank, or sirloin steak), cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices, then cut into 1-1/2- to 2-inch pieces
• 1 13.5-oz. can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1/4 cup tamarind concentrate
• 3 wild lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 medium lemongrass stalks, bruised with back of knife and tied in a knot
• 4 tsp. palm sugar or dark brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 cup tightly packed grated fresh coconut or unsweetened frozen coconut, thawed
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Make the flavor base:

If using dried chiles, steep them in hot water until pliable, 5 to 8 minutes; then slit and seed them (use gloves). Put the chiles, shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal (if using), and 1/4 cup water in a food processor and process to a coarse purée, about 3 minutes (if using whole dried chiles, you’ll still see little pieces of the skins).

Make the spice blends:

In a small bowl, combine the cloves, cardamom pods, star anise, and cinnamon pieces. In a second small bowl, combine the coriander, cumin, fennel, turmeric, and pepper.

Make the rendang:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 12-inch skillet or wok over medium-low heat until shimmering hot. Add the whole spice blend and cook, stirring constantly, until the cinnamon sticks unfold (the cardamom may also crack open), 1 to 2 minutes; don’t let the spices burn. Add another 2 Tbs. of the oil and the ground spice blend and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture sizzles and becomes fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds more (if the spices stick to the pan, add a little more oil to prevent burning).

Add the remaining 1/2 cup oil and the flavor base and cook, stirring, until the purée is an intense reddish-brown, about 10 minutes. Raise the heat to medium, add the beef and cook, stirring, to coat it with the spices, about 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, tamarind concentrate, lime leaves, and lemongrass and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low, add the sugar and salt, and simmer, stirring occasionally for the first hour and then more frequently as the stew thickens, until the liquid is very thick and oil appears on its surface, about 1-3/4 hours. The meat will not be fork-tender at this point.

Meanwhile, squeeze any excess liquid from the coconut with your hands. In a 10-inch skillet, toast the coconut over low heat, stirring constantly, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.

Stir the toasted coconut into the stew and then continue stirring until it’s incorporated and much of the liquid is gone, about 15 minutes. Add 1 cup water if you prefer a saucy consistency. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is fork-tender, 20 to 30 minutes more (the oil will start frothing after 15 to 20 minutes).

Remove the lemongrass, cinnamon pieces, star anise, and as many cardamom pods and cloves as you can find. Transfer the meat to a serving platter and garnish with the cilantro and lime wedges (if using).

Serves 6 to 8

Susheela Raghavan, Fine Cooking

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (15 percent fat)
• 1 pound coarsely grated whole-milk mozzarella cheese
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed, meat crumbled
• 2 cups chopped fresh basil
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1/2 cup dry red wine

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine first 11 ingredients in large bowl. Gently mix in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, eggs, and wine. Place meat mixture on large rimmed baking sheet and shape into 16x4-inch loaf. Brush with remaining 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Bake meat loaf until cooked through and thermometer inserted into center registers between 160°F and 170°F, about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Armandino Batali, Bon Appetit, September 2004

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. dried lentils
• 5 c. cold water
• 8 oz. bacon, diced
• 1 lb. ground chuck
• 1 lg. onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper
• 1 lg. carrot, chopped
• 1 lg. tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tbsp. butter
• 1/2 tbsp. flour
• 2 c. beef stock
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. vinegar

Preparation

Combine the lentils and water in a soup pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. While the lentils simmer, brown the bacon in a skillet and remove to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Discard the bacon drippings. Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until nicely browned. Drain well. Add the beef, bacon, and vegetables to the lentils. Melt the butter in the skillet, blend in the flour, and then add the salt, pepper, and vinegar. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Pour in the beef stock, stir well to blend, and then add to the soup pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the flavors are well-blended.

Penzey’s Spices

Ingredients

• 12 oz rump of beef
• 4 fl oz olive oil
• 2 oz cured Manchego cheese
• 12 black olives
• Spanish sea salt
• Freshly-ground black pepper

Preparation

Freeze the piece of beef for half an hour then slice very thinly by machine. Arrange the slices on the plates and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with flakes of Manchego cheese, Spanish sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper. Chop the olives very finely, sprinkle over the meat and serve.

Spain GourmeTour Magazine, via LaTienda.com

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless stewing beef, cut into 1 in cubes
• 2 tbl olive oil
• 1 lg onion, finely chopped
• 1 med carrot, finely chopped
• 1 med celery rib with leaves, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 c dry red wine
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes in juice
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes in puree
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• pasta for serving

Preparation

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat in batches and brown on all sides, being careful not to crowd the pan. With a slotted spoon, transfer to crockpot.

Pour off all but 2 tbl fat from the pan or add more if needed. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften, about 5 min. Add wine and bring to a boil, stirring to release the browned bits in the skillet. Pour into crock pot. Add the tomatoes and spices.

Cover and turn on to low setting. Cook without removing lid for 6 to 7 hours until meat is tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve over pasta.

Joy of Cooking

Ingredients

• butter
• 1 medium onion
• an equivalent amount of mushrooms (around 1 box, or 2 small cartons pre-cut mushrooms)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb, thin-cut round steak
• 2 c. container sour cream
• 3 tbsp. flour
• white wine (around ½c)
• 1 box noodles

Preparation

1. Cook a box of noodles according to package directions, stir a little butter through to keep them from sticking, and set aside.

2. Sautee mushrooms and onions in a few tablespoons of butter. Set aside.

3. Cut the steak into strips, and brown it in a few tablespoons of butter.

4. Return the mushroom and onion to the pan, and add the wine. Bring back to a boil, and simmer for a few minutes to cook down the sauce.

5. Add a few spoonfuls of sour cream from the container to the pan, stirring to combine with the beef juices.

6. Take a few tablespoons of flour (around three), and mix them into the rest of the container of the sour cream. Stir completely to prevent lumps.

7. Stir the container of sour cream (with flour) into the pan.

8. Bring the sauce back to a simmer to allow the flour to thicken the sauce, and serve it on the noodles.

Ingredients

• 6 c water
• 2 c lager beer
• 1 1/2 c kosher salt
• 1 c golden brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tbl Insta Cure No. 1 (optional)
• 1/4 c pickling spices
• 6-8 lb flat-cut beef brisket, trimmed, with some fat remaining
• 12 oz bottle Guinnesss stout or other stout or porter
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 tbl coriander seeds
• 2 whole allspice
• 1 dired chile de arbol, broken in half
• 12 baby turnips, trimmed, or 3 medium turnips or rutabagas, peeled, quartered
• 8 unpeeled medium white-skinned or red-skinned potatoes (about 3 lb)
• 6 medium carrots, peeled
• 4 medium onions, peeled, halved through root ends
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled, cut into 2-in lengths
• 2 lb head of cabbage, quartered
• Horseradish cream
• Guinness mustard

Preparation

Pour 6 cups of water and 2 cups beer into large deep roasting pan. Add coarse salt; stir until dissolved. Add sugar, stir until dissolved. If desired, stir in Insta Cure No. 1. Mix in pickling spices. Pierce brisket all over with the tip of a small sharp knife. Submerge brisket in liquid, then top with heavy platter to weigh down. Cover and refrigerate 4 days.

Remove brisket from brine. Stir liquid to blend. Return brisket to brine; top with heavy platter. Cover; refrigerate 4 days. Remove brisket from brine. Rinse in cold running water. Can be made 2 days ahead, wrap corned beef in plastic, cover with foil, and refrigerate.

Place corned beef in a very large wide pot. Add stout and water to cover by 1 in. Wrap cheesecloth around bay leaves, coriander seeds, allspice, and chile, enclosing completely, and tie with kitchen string to secure. Add spice bag to pot with beef; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until beef is tender, about 2 1/4 hours. Transfer beef to a large baking sheet.

Add all vegetables to liquid in pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and boil gently until all vegetables are tender, about 25 min. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to baking sheet with beef. Return beef to pot and rewarm 5 min. Discard spice bag

Cut beef against the grain into 1/4 in thick slices. Arrange beef and vegetables on platter. Serve with horseradish cream and Guinness mustard.

Ingredients

• 4 tenderloin steaks, 6 to 8 ounces each and no more than 1 1/2 inches thick
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup Cognac, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour prior to cooking. Sprinkle all sides with salt.

Coarsely crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, the bottom of a cast iron skillet, or using a mallet and pie pan. Spread the peppercorns evenly onto a plate. Press the fillets, on both sides, into the pepper until it coats the surface. Set aside.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. As soon as the butter and oil begin to turn golden and smoke, gently place the steaks in the pan. For medium-rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the steaks to a plate, tent with foil and set aside. Pour off the excess fat but do not wipe or scrape the pan clean.

Off of the heat, add 1/3 cup Cognac to the pan and carefully ignite the alcohol with a long match or firestick. Gently shake pan until the flames die. Return the pan to medium heat and add the cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Add the teaspoon of Cognac and season, to taste, with salt. Add the steaks back to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and serve.

Alton Brown, Food Network

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons powdered ginger
• 3 pounds flank steak, cut into 3/4-inch-cubes
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 cinnamon sticks, roughly 2 inches each
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 small tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced, or 1 small can tomatoes, drained
• Salt, to taste

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, paprika, curry powder, garam masala, soy sauce and ginger. Add the beef and turn to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate several hours or overnight.

2. When ready to cook, in a Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the ghee or oil. Add the onion and garlic, then saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, and continue to cook until the onions brown, about another 5 minutes.

4. Add the beef, marinade and tomatoes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for another 40 minutes.

6. Remove the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves, then season with salt.

Nimala Narine