Meals in minutes… fast food that’s homemade. Nowadays it seems everyone is busy and spending hours over recipes is not always possible. This quick wok fried tenderloin is super easy and very tasty. Although I have cooked chicken and beef in a similar way before, I thought sharing this recipe is a reminder of how simple and flaversome some recipes are and require minimal effort on the cook’s part.
Saikoro in Japanese means “diced” and this is how the steak is prepared. The recipe is from the cookbook, Japanese Soul Cooking and the cookbook chosen for our recent cookbook club. Before you begin cooking, make sure all your ingredients are at hand and your wok is really hot. Don’t overcook the steak, aim for medium rare. I used tenderloin with this recipe instead of sirloin, but either works. And, as I had sprouted broccoli seeds on hand, garnished the finished dish with them, you could use other sprouted greens (red cabbage or cress) or omit them if not available.
Serve this dish with steamed white rice and broccoli or an asian salad if you have more time to spare. And if you like a little heat, serve a chilli dipping sauce on the side. We also love to barbecue steaks for a quick meal but with our searing hot summer temperatures, the barbecue will remain covered for the next few months.
(Serves 4) Recipe adapted from the cookbook, Japanese Soul Cooking. Ingredients: How to cook: In a large wok (or skillet), heat the olive oil and butter together over high heat. Once the butter has melted and browned, add the steak. Cook for about a minute stirring constantly until the steak begins to brown. Add the garlic and white parts of the spring onions, briefly cook for a few seconds, stirring constantly. Add the sake and soy sauce, cook for about 15 seconds, stirring constantly Add the green parts of the spring onion and cook for 30 seconds more, stirring constantly. Add a few twist of freshly ground black pepper and season with some sea salt if necessary. Transfer the cooked steak to a serving platter, scatter over the sprouted broccoli if using. Serve immediately.
Saikoro Steak
500g sirloin steak or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
50g spring onions, trimmed, white and green parts separated and cut into 1/4 inch slices
4 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons soy sauce
For seasoning:
sea salt and freshly ground back pepper
For garnish:
handful of micro greens, (optional)
Food and Tools 