Chinese Savory Beef
["2 Tbsp. oil", "2 lbs. lean beef, cut in 1 1/2 in. squares (may use very tough meat)", "3 scallions, chopped or 1 onion, chopped", "2 cloves garlic, crushed", "2 thin slices ginger", "1 1/2 c. soy sauce", "2 Tbsp. brown sugar", "1/8 tsp. pepper", "3 c. water"]
["Heat oil in heavy skillet or Dutch oven.", "Add the lean beef and quick-fry until brown.", "Add and quick-fry a few minutes:", "3 scallions or onion, cloves of garlic and ginger.", "Add soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper and water.", "Bring to a boil.", "Reduce heat, cover and simmer 3 hours.", "Add more liquid if needed.", "Just before serving, thicken with small amount of flour, if desired.", "Serve over rice or noodles."]
["oil", "lean beef", "scallions", "garlic", "thin slices ginger", "soy sauce", "brown sugar", "pepper", "water"]