Chinese Savory Beef

We love this recipe from the More With Less Cookbook.  Brief history: My hubby and I adopted our 2nd daughter from China in 2007.  So we have a heart for Chinese food.  We broke down and bought sticky rice from the local Chinese restaurant so we could eat with chopsticks.  He even picked up my favorite, fried noodles.  My Chinese daughter does not like Uncle Ben's rice, but loves sticky rice.  :-)  Our 6 yr old loves to eat with chopsticks, so this was a treat for all of us to eat this meal entirely with chopsticks.  Definitely cheaper than going out for Chinese.  So enjoy!

2 Tbsp Oil
2 lb Lean Beef, cut in 1 1/2" squares
3 scallions, chopped or 1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 thin slices ginger (opt)
1/2 c. Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/8 tsp Pepper
3 c. Water

Heat the oil in a skillet and then add the beef.  Brown the beef, once browned add the following: scallions, garlic, & ginger.  Then add the rest of the ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 3 hrs.  Add more liquid if needed.  Just before serving thicken with small amount flour if desired.  Serve over rice or noodles.

Alterations: FYI: if you don't have scallions or ginger on hand, you can still make this delicious recipe.  There are many times the kids are craving Chinese, or mom is, and I still make this recipe anyways.  I also cooked some stir-fry veggies on the side and then mixed everything together before dinner.