SPICY BEEF AND CUCUMBERS WITH BLACK VINEGAR a wonderful stir fry
From Bon Appetit https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/spicy-beef-and-cucumbers-with-black-vinegar
Cooked cucumbers are terrific in stir fries and the slight bashing allows them to absorb the flavors from the sauce. The herbs on the top at the end are critical….add the freshness the recipe needs.
4 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 medium English hothouse cucumber or 3 kirby cucumbers (about 12 ounces total)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 red chiles, finely chopped
1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons black (Chinkiang) vinegar, or 1 tsp other vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar…use sugar substitute
Freshly ground black pepper
Steamed rice, cooked ramen, or chopped romaine (for serving)…for low carb can use cauli rice, shiritaki noodels or spiralized daikon radish “noodles”
1½ cups tender herbs (such as mint, basil, and/or cilantro)
Lime wedges (for serving)
RECIPE PREPARATION
Cut cucumbers crosswise into 4″-thick pieces. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the flat side of a chef’s knife, lightly crush cucumbers, then slice crosswise into ½”-thick slices; set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over high.
Add beef and a pinch of salt; break up meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon then spread out in pan to create a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom side is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Break up meat with a spatula and turn over pieces. Cook until other side is browned and crisp and meat is cooked through, 5–7 minutes.
Push meat to one side of pan and add garlic and chiles. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes. Mix garlic and chile into meat.
Add shallot and reserved cucumbers and cook, tossing occasionally and scraping up any browned bits, until cucumbers are softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat and stir in vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
Set skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until sauce is reduced slightly, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon beef and cucumbers over rice and top with herbs.
Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.
