Tofu and Leek Stir-Fry with Ground Beef

• 2 baby leeks (1/2 lb total; white and pale green parts only), cut diagonally into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 10 oz soft or firm tofu (not silken or extra-firm), drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1/4 lb ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine (preferably Shaoxing) or medium-dry Sherry
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon Chinese chile bean sauce or paste
• 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon mild pure chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese fermented black beans, soaked in water 10 minutes and drained
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon potato starch or cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water
• Accompaniment: white rice
• Garnish: 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground with a mortar and pestle

1. Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well.
2. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 2 cups hot water in a medium bowl, and add tofu.
3. Soak 5 minutes, then drain in a sieve.
4. Heat a wok or 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until a bead of water dropped onto cooking surface evaporates immediately.
5. Add oil, swirling wok to coat, and heat until it begins to smoke.
6. Add beef and stir-fry, breaking up lumps, until no longer pink, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in wine and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce and stir-fry 30 seconds.
8. Add chile bean sauce and stir-fry until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
9. Add ginger, chile powder, and black beans and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
10. Add broth, remaining 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, and tofu, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring gently, about 2 minutes.
11. Add leeks and simmer, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes.
12. Stir potato starch mixture and add to tofu, then cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 1 minute.

baby leeks, silken, peanut oil, ground beef, chinese rice wine, soy sauce, chinese chile bean sauce, fresh ginger, chile powder, black beans, chicken broth, potato starch, accompaniment, sichuan peppercorns

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/tofu-and-leek-stir-fry-with-ground-beef-107984 (may not work)