Tomato Beef Soup with Vietnamese Coriander

Ingredients

• 8 oz flank steak or sirloin ((or ground beef))
• 3/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking oil ((plus more for cooking))
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced yellow onions ((about half a large onion))
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 lb tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• several slices of bird's eye chili ((optional))
• 2-3 scallion stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Vietnamese coriander, roughly chopped ((you can use up to 1 1/2 cups))

Instructions

1. 1

   Slice the beef thinly against the grain into small pieces. The pieces should be smaller than beef slices in stir-fries. Toss well with all other ingredients in the "For the Beef" section (salt, pepper, garlic, cornstarch, oil). Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Place a heavy pot with a wide bottom over medium heat. Once it is hot, add oil to coat the bottom. Add onion slices and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion is fragrant and has a light color.

3. 3

   Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté briefly until the garlic is fragrant.

4. 4

   Increase the heat to medium-high and add the beef. Spread the meat on a thin layer and brown it until the outside is still slightly pink. Toss the beef with fish sauce, and then transfer the meat mixture to a plate, leaving just a few onion slices and small bits of beef in the pot.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to medium and add half of the tomato wedges. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are softened. Adjust the heat as needed.

6. 6

   Add water to the pot. Also add the remaining salt, then let the soup come to a boil. Skim off the foam if needed, and add the remaining tomato wedges along with the lime juice.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid slightly askew. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove the lid and increase the heat. Add the sautéed beef mixture and chili (if using). Give the soup a quick stir, and adjust seasonings to taste.

9. 9

   Quickly add the chopped scallion and Vietnamese coriander. Give it another quick stir, and the soup should start to boil again. Transfer to serving bowls and serve right away.