Ginger Beef Vermicelli For Two Food

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS BEEF AND NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine sugar, rice vinegar and lime juice and stir to dissolve. Add fish sauce, garlic, ginger, chiles and 1/2 cup water and stir together. Let sit for 15 minutes for flavors to meld. (May be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.)
• Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add rice noodles, stir and turn off heat. Let noodles soften (5 to 8 minutes, depending on brand), then drain and rinse with cold water. Leave in colander at room temperature.
• Meanwhile, combine beef, fish sauce, sugar, garlic and lemon grass in a bowl. Massage seasoning into beef and let sit for 15 minutes.
• Line a serving bowl or four individual large wide soup bowls with a few lettuce leaves and top with noodles.
• Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. When wok is nearly smoking, add beef and quickly stir-fry until lightly browned and just cooked, about 2 minutes. Work in batches if necessary so meat browns and doesn't steam. (If you do not have a wok, you may use a cast iron skillet and work in batches.)
• Top noodles with cooked beef, scallions, carrot, cucumber and daikon. Sprinkle with herbs, crushed peanuts and fried shallots (add sprouts if using). Drizzle lightly with dipping sauce and pass remaining sauce at table.

GINGER BEEF VERMICELLI (FOR TWO)

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine the beef slices, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the cornstarch, salt and a few grinds of pepper. Toss together; set aside.
• Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil and heat until shimmering. Add half the beef and cook, stirring, until the beef is browned, about a minute. Add half the garlic, half the ginger and half the fish sauce and continue cooking until the beef is cooked through, about two minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with the remaining oil, beef, garlic, ginger and fish sauce.
• On each serving plate, mound vermicelli and lettuce, then spoon the beef over them. Sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro. Serve.