Asian Flank Steak

This meal was one I found quite delicious and which my wife hated. As in, would not eat. I'd knocked it out of the park with 3 meals in a row, then hit upon two in a row which she simply refused to eat. She is not a big fan of anything Asian, for the most part, and she has definite (negative) opinions of hoisin sauce and anything to which it has been applied. I had mistakenly thought this had changed when she used hoisin sauce on our Cornish game hens for Super Bowl Sunday. So, beware if you have a picky eater. This may not be the dinner for them. If, however, you enjoy those flavors, dig in! It comes together really quickly, too, if you throw everything into its marinade ahead of time and need to get dinner on in a hurry.

Asian Flank Steak

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp. hoisin sauce

4 tsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. Asian chili sauce

2 tsp. honey

2 tsp. dry sherry

2 tsp. minced ginger

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 1/2 lb. flank steak

Mix together everything but the steak. Add the steak and turn to coat completely. Marinate at least 3 hours and up to overnight. Broil steak 5 minutes or so per side. Allow to rest 15 minutes, then slice for serving. Serves 4. 

Sesame Noodles

1 lb. egg noodles

3 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

4 scallions, thinly sliced, green part only

3 tbsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. Chinese 5-spice

Salt & pepper, to taste

Cook & drain noodles. Heat 2 tbsp. oil on high & stir fry scallions until soft, about a minute. Add Chinese 5-spice and cooked noodles. Stir fry 1-2 minutes. Add 1 tbsp. sesame oil & sesame seeds & stir to incorporate. Season with salt & pepper. Serve piping hot. Serves 4-6.

Sesame Green Beans

1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. sesame oil

1 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Steam green beans just until crisp-tender and mix with everything else. Marinate 2 hours. Serve cold, drizzled with marinade, or toss in skillet for a few minutes to heat through, if you want it warm. Serves 2-4.