Pepper Steak

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Rinse flank steak and pat dry. Trim fat (if any) off steak. Cut into 3 pieces lengthwise. Slice across grain into ¼- to ½-inch pieces.

2. Step 2

   Marinate meat in soy sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sugar and 4 tablespoons oil. Set aside 1 hour.

3. Step 3

   Soak black beans in 1 cup cold water 10 to 15 minutes. Chop garlic finely. Drain beans and add garlic. Chop beans and garlic together more finely. Set aside.

4. Step 4

   Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons oil in wok or large skillet until smoking hot. Shake wok so oil coats entire surface.

5. Step 5

   Add 1 tablespoon salt to oil. Add steak and stir-fry quickly on high flame 3 to 4 minutes, until pink. Remove meat to plate.

6. Step 6

   Add 1 tablespoon oil to wok. Add bean and garlic mixture; stir-fry 30 seconds over low flame.

7. Step 7

   Increase flame to high. Add peppers and stir-fry green peppers 1 minute. Add remaining 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, stirring mixture until blended. Lower flame to medium; let peppers cook until water and cornstarch have thickened.

8. Step 8

   Add tomatoes and mix with peppers. Cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes, being careful not to let tomatoes turn too soft. Add salt to taste.

9. Step 9

   Uncover, return steak to wok and mix thoroughly. Stir-fry over high flame 1 to 2 minutes. Serve.