Grilled Steak With Black Mushrooms

Photo: flickr user FotoosVanRobin

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds New York strip, poeterhouse, or

other tender beef steak, abt 1" thick

8 dried black mushrooms - (to 10)

(or fresh shiitake mushrooms)

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 teaspoon toasted Sichuan peppercorns ground

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons dry sherry or Chinese rice wine

1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

1/2 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon dry sherry or Chinese rice wine

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1 tablespoon minced shallots

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 teaspoons minced ginger

Preparation

Score the beef lightly on each side with shallow criss-cross marks. Combine the marinade ingredients in a sealable plastic bag. Add the beef, seal the bag, and turn it a couple of times to evenly coat the meat. Refrigerate overnight.

If using dried mushrooms, soak them in warm water to cover for 30 minutes; drain. Cut off and discard the stems and thinly slice the caps. (Fresh mushrooms can be sliced stem and all.) Set aside.

Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. Lift the beef from the marinade and grill it on a lightly greased grill over a solid bed of low-glowing coals for 4 minutes. Turn and continue to cook until it is done to your liking, 4 more minutes for medium-rare.

While the steak cooks, melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce boils and thickens. Carve the steak into 1/2-inch-thick slices and top with the mushroom sauce.

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Variation: The steak can also be broiled 2 inches from the heat, or cooked in a ridged grilling pan.

Comments: You may not choose to eat this steak with chopsticks like I do, but even if you're going to eat it with a fork, follow the traditional Chinese style and cut the meat into thin strips before smothering it with the succulent black mushroom sauce.