Man Ho Recipe

Prepare and Marinate

Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into 1/8–1/4-inch slices. In a bowl combine 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp white pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Mix Sauce

In a small bowl whisk together 3 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar and 3 tbsp stock until smooth. Taste and adjust saltiness; set aside. In a separate small cup stir 1 tsp cornstarch into 2 tbsp cold water to make a slurry and keep ready.

Prepare Veggies

Clean and trim the bok choy (or gai lan) and halve lengthwise if using baby bok choy. Slice mushrooms and red pepper, mince garlic, julienne ginger, and cut scallions into 1-inch pieces. Have all vegetables ready because the stir-fry is quick.

Stir-fry Beef

Heat a wok or large heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tbsp neutral oil and swirl. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear without stirring for 20–30 seconds, then stir-fry until just cooked through, about 1 more minute. Remove beef to a plate and rest.

Cook Aromatics & Vegetables

Return wok to high heat and add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry 15–20 seconds until fragrant. Add mushrooms and red bell pepper and stir-fry 1–2 minutes until mushrooms begin to brown and peppers soften. Add bok choy and toss 1 minute until leaves begin to wilt but stems stay crisp. Add scallions and stir briefly.

Combine Beef & Sauce

Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer for 30 seconds. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and add it to the wok, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 30–60 seconds.

Finish

Turn off the heat and stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp ground white pepper (or to taste). Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash of soy or a pinch of sugar if needed. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if using. Transfer to a warm serving platter.