Shaking Beef

1. Marinate the Beef

Begin by marinating your beef tenderloin cubes with a mixture of chopped garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of oil. If your kitchen is warm, pop the bowl into the fridge to keep things cool for about 2 hours. This marination process is crucial as it infuses the beef with flavors that will sing with every bite.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While your beef is soaking up all that goodness, whisk together a tangy sauce of rice-wine vinegar, the remaining sugar, your choice of rice or white wine, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Adjust this concoction with a bit more salt and pepper to suit your taste. This sauce will later glaze the beef, giving it a glossy finish and a depth of flavor.

3. Sear and Shake the Beef

Now, heat up 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over a high flame. Sear half of the marinated beef until you see a beautifully brown crust—this typically takes less than 5 minutes. The high heat is our friend here, creating that delicious sear that traps in the juices and gives the beef a sublime crust.

4. Add Onions and Sauce

As the beef browns, throw in half of the thinly sliced red onions and scallions, letting them soften and release their aroma. Then, pour in half of your zesty vinegar mixture and add a tablespoon of butter, shaking the pan as you do. This shaking action emulsifies the sauce and coats the meat evenly, marrying the flavors together in a luscious glaze.

5. Repeat and Serve

Repeat the process with the remaining beef, ensuring each batch gets the same love and attention. Once cooked, plate the beef on a bed of fresh watercress or red leaf lettuce. To finish, sprinkle the salt and pepper mix you've prepared over the dish and serve with lime wedges on the side. The lime's citrusy zing will cut through the richness and elevate the entire dish.