Beef in oyster sauce

Ingredients

For the beef

• 450g/1 lb fillet of beef, cut into 5cm/2in thin strips
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 3 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1½ tbsp finely chopped spring onions

For the salad

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Madras curry powder
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 100g/3½oz broccoli florets, cut into small florets
• 100g/3½oz French beans, trimmed
• 100g/3½oz cauliflower florets, cut into small florets
• 100g/3½oz peas
• 225g/8oz fresh tomato, peeled, seeds removed, chopped
• 50g/2 oz fresh water chestnuts, peeled, sliced
• 3 tbsp finely chopped shallots, squeezed dry through a linen cloth
• 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives

Method

1. Put the beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry and cornflour into a bowl and mix together until well combined. Set aside to marinate for 20 minutes.

2. Heat a wok or large frying-pan until it is very hot.

3. Add the oil, and when it is very hot and slightly smoking, add the beef slices and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes or until they are pale golden-brown.

4. Remove the beef strips and set aside to drain in a colander over a bowl. Discard the drained oil.

5. Wipe the wok or pan clean and reheat it over a high heat until it is hot.

6. Add the oyster sauce, and bring to a simmer.

7. Return the drained beef slices and mix them thoroughly with the sauce.

8. Turn the mixture onto a serving platter and garnish with the spring onions.

9. Meanwhile, for the salad, mix the mustard, curry powder, soy sauce, salt, pepper and olive oil together in a bowl.

10. Cook the broccoli, green beans and cauliflower in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then add peas and cook for 1-2 minutes.

11. Drain the vegetables into a warm bowl, then add the water chestnuts and tomatoes, shallots and chives. Drizzle over the salad dressing and mix until well combined.

12. Serve the salad alongside the beef.