Stir-fried beef, along with crisp rice, takes on a unique twist with grapefruit on board.

Grapefruit, an unusual stir-fry ingredient, adds an intriguing touch to this beef dish. It takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients, but only about 5 minutes to stir-fry.

The rice is cooked in the microwave oven and then added to the hot wok once the beef has been removed. The rice gets crisp and picks up the wok flavors.

I find it is best to line up all of the stir-fry ingredients on a plate or cutting board in order of use. Then you won’t have to keep referring to the recipe while stir-frying.

Helpful Hints

n Your wok or skillet should be very hot so the beef will be crisp, not steamed. I add the beef in two stages to make sure the pan stays hot while stir-frying.

n Canned grapefruit segments can be used instead of fresh. Make sure they are not packed in sugar syrup and drain them.

n Any quick cooking beef can be used.

Countdown

n Prepare all of the stir-fry ingredients.

n Microwave rice and set aside.

n Stir-fry beef dish.

Shopping List

To buy: 3/4 pound grass fed beef tenderloin, 1 small bottle or a split of dry sherry, 1 small jar hoisin sauce, 1 jar minced garlic, 1 large grapefruit, 1/2 pound fresh snow peas.

Staples: canola oil, sugar, salt and black peppercorns.