This time of year we, in the West, think of ginger in terms of Christmas and the Holiday season.  Gingerbread houses, gingerbread men, ginger snaps and other delicious sweets.  Ginger originally came from South Asia but is now used all over the world.  It’s medicinal properties include easing:  nausea, throat and nose congestions from colds, migraine and cramps, muscle and joint pain, and can even act as an aphrodisiac. In Burma they use it in a salad called gyin-thot, in Jamaica they make ginger beer.

Here is one of the many ways you can use ginger.  I hope you like it!

Ginger Stir Fry

Mix together and set aside:

• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp vermouth
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sugar

Prepare:

• 1 lb beef sirloin steak, cut into 1/8″ strips
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, diced
• 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, diced
• 1 green pepper cut into strips (and/or red pepper)
• 1 cup broccoli cut into small pieces
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup stock
• sesame seeds

Add the beef to the soy sauce mixture and toss. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok.  Add the beef, garlic, and ginger.  Cook until meat is browned.

Add the vegetables and cook over high heat, stirring so they don’t burn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the stock and cook another minute or two. Serve over rice with sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Don’t forget to cook the rice!