Be sure to use a fermented soy sauce such as Kikkoman. Dark sesame oil smells like toasted sesame seeds and is often available near other Chinese ingredients in large supermarkets.

1 (1 to 1 1/2 pound) flank steak*
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil (optional)
1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

* Freezing the beef for 90 minutes makes it much easier to slice.

Slice flank steak across the grain as thinly as possible. Place the strips in a bowl with sesame seeds, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil if using, hot pepper flakes, black pepper and salt. Toss to coat the steak with ingredients.

Heat a wide skillet or wok over high heat for 30 seconds. Add vegetable oil and heat several seconds more so it becomes very hot. Add the steak strips and marinade to the pan and stir constantly until they have browned all over.

Serve with or on top of hot cooked rice with a side of blanched sugar snap peas.

Serves 4.