Bò Xào Sả Ớt (Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Stir-fry)

Ingredients

• 14-16 oz beef, thinly sliced against the grain ((flank steak or See Notes for more options))
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/8 teaspoon five-spice powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided
• 2 teaspoons cooking oil ((plus more to cook))
• 6 medium lemongrass stalks, white parts only, sliced very thinly ((about 2/3 cup or 40-45g sliced))
• 2 teaspoons julienned ginger
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 2 red banana peppers, or any non/mildly-spicy red chili peppers, seeds removed and thinly sliced ((about 1/3 cup or 25g sliced))
• 1 bird's-eye chili, seeds removed and thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds ((to serve))

Instructions

1. 1

   Place beef slices in a mixing bowl and toss with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon five-spice powder, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, ½ tablespoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon water. Then add 2 teaspoons oil and mix to combine. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

2. 2

   Place a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add some oil to coat the bottom. Add lemongrass slices once the oil is hot, stir and cook for about 2 minutes until lemongrass has reduced in volume and looked slightly golden and it smells aromatic. Transfer to a clean bowl.

3. 3

   Add julienned ginger and sauté until fragrant and softened, up to a minute. Then add the remaining minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.

4. 4

   Increase the heat to medium-high, then add beef slices in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 20-30 seconds to give them a nice sear. Then stir-fry for a few more seconds. Don't overcrowd the pan and cook in batches if needed.

5. 5

   While the beef is still slightly pink, add oyster sauce, fish sauce, lemongrass, all the chili peppers and remaining five-spice powder. Stir and toss quickly until beef is just cooked through and flavors are combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.

6. 6

   Transfer to serving plates. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and serve right away.