Tamarind Beef

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Asian sesame oil
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Kosher salt
• 3 pounds trimmed beef tenderloin
• cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2/3 cup tamarind concentrate (see Note)
• 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large shallots
• thinly sliced

Instructions

1. In a large, shallow bowl, combine the sesame oil with 1/4 cup of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of salt.
2. Add the beef and stir to coat with the marinade.
3. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the tamarind concentrate, fish sauce and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and bring to a boil.
5. Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is reduced to 1 cup, about 12 minutes.
6. Season with salt and remove from the heat; keep warm.
7. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering.
8. Add the shallots and cook over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 2 minutes.
9. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots to a plate.
10. Add half of the shallot oil to another large skillet and heat both skillets.
11. Drain the meat and add one-fourth to each skillet in an even layer without crowding.
12. Cook over high heat, turning once, until browned, about 2 minutes.
13. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a platter.
14. Repeat with the remaining meat.
15. Pour the warm tamarind sauce over the meat, top with the fried shallots and serve.