Marinated first in a soy sauce mixture, thin strips of lean beef are quickly stir-fried with thin slices of cucumber, seasoned with the reserved marinade and fresh cilantro.

Mandarin Beef with Cilantro

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound lean beef, cut into thin strips against the grain
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded*and cut into thin strips
1/2 cilantro bunch, stems discarded and leaves chopped
Hot cooked rice for accompaniment

1. In a large bowl combine soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir well. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. Drain beef, reserving marinade.
3. In a non-stick skillet or wok, heat oil over high heat. Add beef and stir-fry about 2 minutes. Add cucumbers. Mix well and cook another 2 minutes. Pour in reserved marinade; bring to a boil. Mix in cilantro.
4. Serve over rice.

Makes 4 servings.

*Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrap out the center of seeds.