Tamari Beef

(2-3 servings)

In the midst of this holiday season I haven't been craving turkey or ham, but rather this delicious Asian inspired beef dish. It's very easy to make and great with plain hot rice.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

1 tbsp coconut oil or another high temperature oil
3/4 lb beef top round or sirloin steak, cut into small strips across the grain
1 tsp sesame oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1/2 tsp chili oil or more to taste
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup mirin (plain not seasoned) or rice wine
2 tbsp honey
1 bell pepper, seeded and cut into small julienne
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 green onions, thinly sliced at an angle

cooked rice for serving

Heat the oil in a wok over a high flame and fry the beef until it's browned. I had to do this in batches as my wok is small.

When the beef is browned, remove any extra fat and reduce the flame. Stir in the sesame oil, garlic, ginger and chili oil and cook for a minute or two.

Combine the water, tamari, vinegar, mirin and honey, then pour over the meat. When the liquid comes to a simmer, cover the wok and reduce the flame to the lowest setting. Cook for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Add the bell pepper and cook another 10-15 minutes.

Combine the water and cornstarch and stir until it's smooth, then stir this mixture into the meat and peppers. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened; about 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the green onions. Serve with the cooked rice.