BLACK PEPPER STEAK

SERVES 4 to 6

This recipe is my take on one of my favorite Chinese take-out dishes. Often it’s made using lesser cuts of beef, sliced into thin strips that are quickly stir-fried so they don’t toughen, with a sauce that can be a bit on the gloopy side (though I’ve got to admit, I still love it!). But at home, I splurge and use large cubes of boneless rib eye, and punch up the sauce with lots of fresh ginger, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, which gives it a little heat. Cutting the meat into bigger pieces allows you to get a nice sear without overcooking, and the rib eye cut is incredibly tender. A tablespoon of black pepper may seem like a lot, but it gives the dish a bit of heat that balances its sweetness.

3 to 4 tablespoons canola oil

2 pounds tender steak, such as boneless rib eye, cut into 2-inch pieces

½ yellow onion, chopped

8 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, chopped

½ cup coconut aminos (or light soy sauce)

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 teaspoon cornstarch

Sliced green onions, for garnish

Steamed rice, for serving

Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook, turning once, until browned on two sides, about 1½ minutes per side. With tongs, transfer the browned meat to a plate. If the pan is dry, add the remaining tablespoon oil. Add the onions and mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have given off their liquid and are beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

While the onions and mushrooms cook, in a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, pepper, and cornstarch. Add the meat and its juices back to the pan with the mushrooms and onions and pour in the sauce. Bring to a boil and boil until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, with rice alongside.