Celery and Beef Stir-Fry

We are big Chinese stir-fry lovers here.

And my favorite is always hot and sweet.

This isn't really that, but it's really good anyway. (though I did add some heat)

The key is the celery. The rest you can fudge as your tastes incline you.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. lean, well-trimmed sirloin, flank or chuck steak, sliced thinly against the grain

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 T. water

1 T. low-sodium soy sauce

1 T. sherry (optional, but only if past Induction Phase)

3 T. oil of your choice (I used 5o:50 olive & coconut oil)

4 oz. onion, sliced in thin wedges

2 Serrano chiles, minced

3 stalks celery, sliced on the diagonal

5 dried oriental mushrooms, soaked 1/2 hour to re-hydrate/soften, sliced (avoid using the tough stem)

2/3 c. sliced water chestnuts, drained (I sliced in halves)

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. fresh ginger root, minced

3/4 c. homemade beef bone broth or other available beef broth/pan juices

1-2 tsp. Sambal Oelek chili sauce or Sriracha Sauce

2 T. more low-sodium soy sauce

1 T. homemade Hoisin Sauce

OPTIONAL:  light dusting of xanthan gum to thicken if desired

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place the first 5 ingredients in a bowl.  Mix well with a spoon or hands to coat the meat.  Let sit for 20 minutes only!  This tenderizes tougher cuts of meat typically used in Chinese stir-fries.  In another small bowl, stir together the sauce items: garlic, ginger, beef broth, chili sauce, soy sauce and Hoisin sauce.  When meat has been tenderized for 20 minutes, you’re ready to cook!  Heat a non-stick wok or skillet over high heat.  Add cold oil and then immediately dump in the beef.  The famous saying in Chinese kitchens is “Hot Wok, Cold Fat” to avoid the meat sticking to the pan.  Stir fry only 2 minutes to seal the surfaces of the meat.  Then add the onion and celery and chiles and continue to stir-fry another 2 minutes or until they just begin to soften.  Next add the mushrooms and water chestnuts. Stir fry for 1 minute.   Add the liquid sauce ingredients and simmer 1-2 minutes.  You can thicken with 1 light dusting of xanthan gum if you like your sauces thicker, but that is optional.  Stir one minute longer to let your thickener develop and do its job.  Serve at once.

SERVES: 4

NOTES: Add other veggies if you desire.

SOURCE: Buttoni's Low Carb Recipes