Spicy Cumin Beef Stir Fry 

Ingredients:

For the Beef Marinade:

300g beef, sliced
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:

1 onion, sliced
1 inch ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Thai Bird’s Eye chillies, sliced (adjust to taste)
4-5 stalks of cilantro, chopped
1 tsp cornstarch + 2-3 tbsp water (for thickening)
Oil for cooking
Spices to Dry Toast and Grind:

2 tsps cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsps Sichuan peppercorns
For the Sauce Bowl of Efficiency:

200ml beef stock or chicken stock
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp light soy sauce
2 tsps brown sugar
Instructions:

Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
Toast the Spices:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Allow them to cool slightly, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the beef stock, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
Stir Fry:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the sliced onion, minced ginger, minced garlic, and sliced chillies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Return the beef to the skillet and add the toasted spice powder. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring until well combined.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the chopped cilantro and cook for an additional minute. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a delicious meal!