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Shaking Beef

In Vietnam, this classic–named for how the meat is tossed in the pan–is usually made with tough, overcooked beef cuts. For his version, which has been on the Slanted Door’s menu since 1995, Charles uses grass-fed filet mignon. On an electric stove, use a flat-bottomed wok or pan so the cooking surface gets as hot as possible. On gas, use a wok ring to nestle the wok down into the flames.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese
Keyword: beef, stir-fry

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds filet mignon trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-in. cubes
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. sugar divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 7 tablespoons canola oil divided
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce*
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 green onions ends trimmed, onions cut into 1-in. lengths
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 bunch watercress tough stems removed

Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

  • 2 Thai or serrano chiles stemmed and minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Instructions

  • Mix beef with 1 tsp. sugar, the salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp. oil in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature 2 hours.
  • Whisk together remaining 1 tbsp. sugar, the vinegar, mirin, soy sauces, and fish sauce until sugar has dissolved.
  • Divide meat into 2 equal portions. Heat a large wok or a large (not nonstick) frying pan over high heat until very hot but not smoking. The metal will have a matte look and a drop of water flicked onto its surface should evaporate on contact.
  • Add 3 tbsp. oil to wok and heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear until a brown crust forms underneath, about 30 seconds. Flip cubes and cook 30 seconds on second side.
  • Add half each of red and green onions and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds. Add half the soy sauce mixture and shake wok to coat beef. Add half each of garlic and butter and shake wok to distribute evenly. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.
  • Wipe wok clean and return to high heat. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with remaining 3 tbsp. oil, beef, red and green onions, sauce mixture, garlic, and butter.
  • Arrange watercress on a platter; top with beef and vegetables. Serve with Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce.

Spicy Lime Dipping Sauce

  • Grind chiles in a mortar with 1 tsp. salt to a paste with a pestle.
  • Transfer to a small bowl and stir in remaining 1 tsp. salt, the pepper, and lime juice.

Notes

AUTHOR
Charles Phan, found on Sunset.com
*Dark soy sauce is thicker, darker, and less salty than regular soy; find it at Asian markets and well-stocked grocery stores.