Crisp scallions provide the vegetable base for this tasty stir-fry. If the scallions are particularly thick, cut the white parts in half lengthwise; they will cook through more quickly.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　3/4 cup water

　　2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

　　2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar (unseasoned)

　　1 tablespoon cornstarch

　　Coarse salt

　　1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving (optional)

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, such as safflower

　　1 1/4 pounds flank steak, cut diagonally across the grain into 1/2-by-3-inch strips

　　4 garlic cloves, minced

　　2 bunches scallions, trimmed, sliced crosswise 1 1/2 inches thick, white and green parts separated

　　Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

　　

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together the water, hoisin sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes.

　　

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Pat-dry steak with paper towels. In two batches, cook steak until lightly browned, turning once, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer meat to a plate.

　　

Step 3

Add remaining teaspoon oil to skillet along with garlic and white parts of scallions. Cook, tossing often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk hoisin mixture to combine; add to pan along with scallion greens.

　　

Step 4

Return meat to pan; cook, tossing to coat steak with sauce, 1 minute. Remove from heat. Serve immediately over rice and sprinkled with more red-pepper flakes, as desired.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.