This flavorful stir-fry blends tender steak with a medley of fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, infused with Japanese soy sauce and a hint of sesame and safflower oils. Designed for a non-stick skillet or electric frypan, it delivers a quick, colorful dish that remains vibrant and slightly crunchy. The recipe captures the 1960s–70s interest in Japanese-American fusion cooking, reflecting the era’s growing popularity of hibachi-style meals at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp polyunsaturated oil (such as sesame or vegetable)
- 1 lb small flank steak ( or boneless round steak)
- 1 Bermuda onion (large )
- ½ lb fresh mushrooms
- 1 zucchini ( medium, or summer squash)
- ¾ cup sherry wine
- 1 tbs sesame seeds
- ¼ cup bean sprouts (fresh or canned)
- 1 tbsp safflower oil
- 1 tsp MSG (optional)
- 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
- Slice steak against the grain into thin quarter-inch slices.
- Marinate in a little sherry.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice onion into thin rings.
- Slice mushrooms.
- Slice zucchini into thin rounds.
- Rinse and drain bean sprouts (if using canned).
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
- Arrange all ingredients nearby for quick cooking.
- Heat oil in non-stick skillet or electric frypan until hot.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Ingredients
- Add beef to hot oil.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook and stir until vegetables are heated through but still crisp.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while vegetables are still crunchy.
Tips
- Use thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak for the most tender results.
- Add carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
- Replace sherry wine with mirin for a sweeter Japanese flavor.
- Substitute tamari for soy sauce to reduce sodium or make gluten-free.
- Add fresh garlic or ginger for a stronger aromatic base.
- Stir-fry in batches if needed so the pan stays hot and ingredients sear properly.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the oil to 1 teaspoon and use a nonstick pan.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make a full meal.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for texture and flavor.
- Replace beef with chicken or tofu for variations.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 29gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 575mgPotassium: 813mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 3mg
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