Beijing Lamb

Ingredients

• 6 ounces lamb fillets, cut in broad slices
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 small egg white
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon peanut oil
• 4 tablespoons shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon brown bean sauce, mashed
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons beef broth
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for stir-frying
• 1 large leek, white and part of green thinly sliced
• 1-3 dried red chili pepper
• 1/2 cup black dried Chinese mushrooms, soaked 15 minutes in 1 cup boiling water, drained

Directions

1. 1

   In a small bowl combine lamb with baking soda and 1/4 cup cold water. Mix well and soak 5 hours.

2. 2

   Rinse lamb slices and dry well on paper towels. In a small bowl mix together egg white, salt, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of the garlic, peanut oil, and 1 tablespoon of the Shao Hsing. Add lamb and toss to coat with marinade.

3. 3

   In another small bowl combine brown bean sauce, remaining 3 tablespoons Shao Hsing, sugar, broth, vinegar and sesame oil. In a cup mix cornstarch with a little cold water to consistency of heavy cream and whisk into bean sauce. Set aside.

4. 4

   In first wok, heat 4 cups oil over high heat to 375°F Drain lamb, pat dry and deep-fry 1 minute, turning pieces several times with a metal spoon. Use a slotted spoon to remove lamb to paper towels. Return lamb to oil and deep-fry 1 minute more; remove and drain again. Return lamb a third time and deep-fry 30 seconds more; remove and drain on clean paper towels.

5. 5

   In second wok, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over high heat. Add leek, remaining garlic and chili peppers, to taste, and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and lamb and mix well. Stir reserved bean sauce mixture and add to wok, tossing to combine. Bring liquids to a boil and remove from heat as soon as sauce begins to thicken. Serve immediately with rice.