There are generally two reasons why people do not cook: “I love to cook, but I don’t have time” or “I live alone and I can’t cook for one person.” Here is a recipe to solve both dilemmas.

This stir-fry is fast to make; start by cooking the rice and the rest of the meal is ready when the rice is finished, about 15-20 minutes. Slice the meat and toss in the seasoning mixture. Cut the vegetables. Whisk together the sauce. The stir-fry can be made in a wok or large skillet. A wide wooden spatula is a great way to quickly turn the food.

To make dinner for one person, see the proportions in the second version of the recipe.

Sesame Beef Stir-fry with Shiitakes on Rice

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
• 1 tablespoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Toss the beef in kecap manis and sherry. In a wok on high heat, add the vegetable oil and stir-fry the beef for 30 seconds. Add the shiitakes, garlic, ginger and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice.

For the sauce:

• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Pepper to taste

Mix together all of the ingredients and add to the wok at the end of cooking.

For the rice:

• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 tablespoon salt

Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan, add the salt, then the rice. Cover, turn heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes.

Beef and Shiitakes for One

• 1/4 pound flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
• 1 teaspoon kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

for the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• dash of sugar
• pepper to taste

for the rice:

• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 cup chicken stock or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Follow the above directions.