Noodles, any one? This recipe is a family favourite.

RICE VERMICELLI WITH BEEF AND BLACK PEPPER黑椒牛肉炆米粉:

12 oz. beef, flank steak or sirloin                                  

3 cakes, out of a pkg of 4, of dried rice vermicelli

1 clove garlic, crushed                                                             

1 large red pepper, cut into thin strips

1 stalk green onions cut into thin strips, optional

3-4 tbsp. cooking oil

Seasoning:

    1/8 to ¼ tsp. baking soda                                      

    2 tbsp. tapioca starch

    1 tsp. sugar                                                  

    1 tbsp. light soy sauce

    1 tbsp. oil                                                    

    ½ cup water

Sauce:

   

    ½ tsp. salt                                                    

    1 tsp. sugar

    1 tbsp. each light and dark soy sauce                       

    1 tsp rice wine

    1 tbsp. oyster-flavoured sauce                     

    1-2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste

    ½ tsp. sesame oil

Cut beef across the grain into slices then into ¼- ½ -inch strips. Add seasoning ingredients and marinate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in 1 tsp. salt. Add vermicelli, stir to separate, making sure vermicelli is completely covered with water. Cover & bring water back to boil. As soon as water comes back to the boil, remove pot from heat. Let vermicelli soak for 2-3 minutes or until it is just softened. Do not soak too long to make vermicelli mushy. Drain well. Toss vermicelli with a tsp. salt and 1 tbsp. oil. Reserve.

In wok or non-stick saucepan over high heat, heat 2 tbsp. oil until very hot. Add garlic, then the beef. Stir-fry quickly until no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Heat 1 tbsp. oil until hot and add red peppers.  Cook for 1-2 minutes only, leaving it crunchy. Add green onions, if using & cook for 1 minute. Mix sauce ingredients well and add it into saucepan. Cook until it comes to a boil. Return vermicelli to the pan. Toss well to coat noodles well with sauce. Adjust for seasoning, adding more ground pepper if preferred. Cook 1 minute; then add beef. Toss well together and serve right away.