Beef and Romaine Stir-Fry

basics stir-fry short rib cornstarch red pepper soy sauce rice vinegar wine green onion scallion ginger romaine rice cashew chile

Claire Saffitz

4 servings

Source

Ingredients

1 pound boneless short ribs, thinly sliced across the grain into bite-size strips

1½ teaspoons cornstarch

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt

3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or dry sherry

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

6 scallions, ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces on the diagonal

1 2-inch piece ginger, peeled, thinly sliced crosswise

1 head of romaine, sliced crosswise into 2-inch pieces (about 10 cups)

Steamed white rice, chopped toasted cashews or peanuts, sesame seeds, and/or thinly sliced fresh chiles (for serving; optional)

Method

Toss short ribs, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and 1 Tbsp. soy sauce in a medium bowl. Stir vinegar, wine, and remaining 2 Tbsp. soy sauce in a small bowl. Have all your other ingredients prepped and ready to go (once you start cooking, there isn’t a stopping point and you’ll need them handy).

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet (not nonstick) over high. When oil is shimmering and slides quickly across surface of pan, add scallions and ginger and cook, tossing, until scallions are browned and softened, about 2 minutes. Add romaine and a pinch of salt and cook, tossing often, until leafy parts are bright green and wilted and white parts are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer lettuce mixture to another medium bowl.

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in same skillet over high. When oil is shimmering again, add short rib mixture and arrange slices in a single layer in skillet. Cook, undisturbed, until beef is browned and caramelized on first side, about 1 minute. Toss and continue to cook until short rib is brown all over and cooked through, about a minute or two longer. Pour in wine mixture and lettuce mixture and cook, tossing briskly, until sauce is thickened and all ingredients are coated, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and taste, then season with more salt, if needed.

Divide stir-fry among plates. Serve with rice alongside, if using. Sprinkle with desired toppings.